Business programme architecture released for Caucasus Investment Forum 2026
The Caucasus Investment Forum (CIF) will take place at the MinvodyEXPO on 17–19 May 2026. One of the year’s key business events, the Forum aims to identify new growth opportunities and expand economic cooperation. The central theme of the event will be ‘Expanding the Horizons of Opportunity’. The Forum will bring together representatives of the government, business, and the expert community to work out practical solutions, launch joint projects, and discuss investment opportunities in the region. The CIF 2026 will provide a space for dialogue and partnership, where the participants will shape the initiatives that can set the long-term development trajectory and strengthen the economic potential of the North Caucasus and Russia’s southern regions.
“The Caucasus Investment Forum in 2026 will serve as a platform to showcase the comprehensive potential of the North Caucasus regions – from support for small and medium-sized businesses to cultural diversity and traditions. Expanding the Forum’s business and exhibition programmes will help us to reveal insights into our regions and create additional conditions for attracting investors and developing entrepreneurial activity,” Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak said.
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has declared 2026 the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, so the programme places special emphasis on the authenticity of the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District. A new section, ‘Dialogue with the Governor: Focus on the Caucasus’, has been added to the Forum programme, where representatives of the North Caucasus districts will discuss their strategic development priorities in detail. Leading industry figures will also speak alongside the governor, provide details about their individual progress in recent years, and outline development goals for their respective regions.
“This year, each region of the North Caucasus Federal District will participate in the section ‘Dialogue with the Governor: Focus on the Caucasus’, where they will not only showcase the economic development of their territories, but also their traditions and unique identity. I am certain that combining the business agenda and cultural context will create additional opportunities for cooperation and contribute to the sustainable development of the North Caucasus Federal District,” Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the CIF Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov said.
The business programme will feature a plenary session, thematic sessions, discussions combined with business negotiations, and practical case studies.
The plenary session is the main event of the Forum and will be attended by representatives of federal and regional government agencies, senior executives from major companies, and leading experts. Discussions will focus on socioeconomic development priorities, investment policy, international cooperation, and long-term growth scenarios.
Thematic sessions will include specialized events dedicated to the development of key economic sectors: agribusiness, transport and logistics, tourism, education, digital technologies, industry, and energy. Participants will examine current challenges, state support measures, and promising investment focuses for 2026.
Through discussions and business negotiations, participants will have the opportunity to directly interact with industry leaders, government officials, and senior management. The discussions will focus on finding common solutions, exchanging views, and building partnerships that will lead to concrete agreements and joint projects.
Entrepreneurs and managers will share cases involving the successful implementation of investment projects during practical sessions. They will focus on practical solutions, management approaches, business scaling tools, and real-life stories that have achieved sustainable results.
“In 2026, the key emphasis of the Forum’s programme will be on the structural transformation of small and medium-sized businesses. Separate formats will be dedicated to entrepreneurship and youth agendas, with a focus on practical work, including consultations, case studies, and direct interaction with federal and regional government agencies. An important goal is to not only discuss general issues, but to also provide entrepreneurs with specific tools for launching and scaling projects, boosting labour productivity and production efficiency, and introducing lean technologies,” Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov said.
A highlight of the Forum will be the Vershina (Apex) Russian Investment Award ceremony, which will recognize significant projects, outstanding companies, and leaders that are shaping Russia’s economic future. The winners will receive comprehensive support for the future implementation of their projects.
The CIF 2026 programme combines the distinctiveness and traditions of the peoples of the North Caucasus, while emphasizing their unique identity, with the creation of new business contacts, partnerships, and investment projects.
Keep up to date with all the Forum news on the official CIF website en.forumkavkaz.org and its social media pages Telegram and VK.
