The First Bryansk Investment Forum took place on 25 October 2007. The Bryansk region has been nurturing the idea of this Forum for a long time and as a result the Forum received a highly positive feedback from experts and participants. The discussion was focused on the current state and prospects for the economic development of the Bryansk region, priority economic sectors and investment projects. The Forum was attended by government and business representatives from Moscow, Central Federal Okrug, Belarus and Ukraine. Over 140 investment projects were presented by local administrations mainly in industrial sectors, agriculture, forestry and construction. Investment agreements for over 38 billion Roubles were signed during the day. In the framework of the Investment Forum a number of round tables were conducted focusing on agricultural development, energy and communal housing sectors, construction, health, forestry and SME development. UNDP supported publication of an Investment Catalogue and a brochure on the small and medium enterprises of the Bryansk oblast.

UNDP Russia and Bryansk Regional Administration jointly implement a project “Local Economic Development Strategy and Agency for the Bryansk oblast affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident”. The project is addressing socio-economic consequences of the Chernobyl accident. Project priorities include psychological rehabilitation and mobilization of local communities, building entrepreneurial motivation and skills, establishing favorable business environment in the affected areas. Development of small and medium businesses can play a leading role in the recovery of the local communities. In the framework of the First Bryansk Investment Forum and with the active support of the UNDP project a Conference on SME development was conducted entitled “Development of small and medium enterprises as a factor of economic growth in the Bryansk Oblast”. Conference participants were updated on the activities of a Centre of Local Economic Development and a Micro credit fund “Noviy Mir” established through the UNDP project. These agencies deliver business training to local entrepreneurs, generate and disseminate information on business development, and provide micro credits to local entrepreneurs and households of the Chernobyl affected areas. As a follow up to the Conference, the Administration of Bryansk Oblast and UNDP Russia conducted the project Steering Committee meeting and agreed on their joint priorities for the next year.