The XIII Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia is a significant step towards strengthening interregional cooperation, Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee Aleksei Kushnarenko emphasized at a meeting of the forum's working group. The Minsk region is ready to demonstrate its maximum capabilities in the economy, social sphere, sports and culture. The focus is on innovative projects whose experience can be useful in different countries. About 20 companies in the central region plan to sign commercial contracts with Russian partners worth over 30 mln rubles. Most of them are exported. A rich cultural programme awaits the forum participants. Its central event will be a concert at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre.