An international research-to-practice conference titled 'Ways to Attract Investment in the Development of Infrastructure Potential of BRICS+ Regions' was held in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at the Far Eastern Branch of the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

The conference format in person and in absentia made it possible to bring together not only cities and countries but also different continents. Representatives of all BRICS countries attended the conference: the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of South Africa, as well as Argentina, the Far Eastern Branch of the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation said.

Speakers at the forum included representatives of state authorities, municipalities, NGOs, associations of municipalities, educational institutions, scientific organisations and business community representatives.

BRICS today promotes business cooperation in the economic sphere—this was also the context in which the work of the international academic conference was framed. Speaking experts from the BRICS+ countries shared their experiences in strengthening positions aimed at building investment capacity at the regional level, which is one of the most important drivers of economic growth.

'We managed to build a sustainable video bridge between the countries to discuss the available opportunities to strengthen the infrastructure potential of the BRICS+ regions, showcase effective practices of investment cooperation and establish new business contacts for potential investors,' said Mikhail Cherepanov, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the International Municipal BRICS+ Forum. 'It is right that the Far Eastern Branch of the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation finds an opportunity to involve representatives of federal public authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, public authorities of Kamchatka Territory, local authorities and foreign partners in the discussion as well.'

The exchange of international experience in improving the investment attractiveness of regions has led to the conclusion that the format of medium- and long-term cooperation between the state and business to address socially significant tasks on mutually beneficial terms is now gaining momentum. The role of collective investment in the development of the region's economic potential is increasing significantly, and external sanctions pressure is further strengthening BRICS+ cooperation in various areas, including the development of the infrastructure potential of the member countries' regions.

The conference resulted in initiatives to sign cooperation agreements between the BRICS+ municipalities, as well as a proposal to increase the participation of Kamchatka universities' students in international research projects and competitions aimed at shaping the necessary professional competencies.

We would like to add that since 2020, the Far Eastern Branch of the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation has been a regional venue for an international forum with numerous events involving foreign partners from BRICS countries and countries aspiring to be members of this international organisation.

The conference 'Ways to Attract Investment in the Development of Infrastructure Potential of BRICS+ Regions' was organised by the Far Eastern Branch of the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation together with the Organising Committee of the International Municipal BRICS+ Forum.