The press service of the forum reported that Bashkiria Day opened on December 3 during the international exhibition and forum “Russia,” as part of the Regional Days. Regional president Radiy Khabirov highlighted the region’s achievements across industry, energy, unmanned technologies, culture, and the arts, framing Bashkortostan as a hub of progress and collaboration.
Bashkortostan is described as talented and rich, with its people being the core value of the republic. The region emphasizes its vast multinational population and its leadership in reflecting Russia’s diversity. In his remarks, the president echoed a famous sentiment: Bashkortostan mirrors the whole of Russia through its cultural, religious, and linguistic plurality and the spirit of friendship that runs through its communities. This framing underscored how the republic’s social fabric contributes to its dynamism and appeal on the national stage.
The remarks also pointed to Bashkortostan’s distinctive tourism potential, which has grown through international cooperation with CIS countries, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS partners. The region is positioned as a health center within the Russian Federation, with ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding wellness, spa, and therapeutic tourism for domestic and international visitors alike. The emphasis on international collaboration aligns with broader strategies to elevate regional brands and foster sustainable tourism development that benefits local communities.
During the Republic Day program, visitors to the exhibition were treated to a cultural itinerary designed to showcase Bashkir heritage. The winter Bashkir Sabantuy, the Terra Winter festival, and the greeting of Kysh Babai, the Bashkir Santa Claus, formed a festive centerpiece. The event featured performances by notable artists, including Askar Abdrazakov, an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation and acclaimed opera singer, whose appearance highlighted the region’s strong cultural output. Attendees sampled traditional dishes such as bishbarmak, along with honey, chak-chak desserts, and kumiss, offering a taste of Bashkir hospitality and culinary traditions. A highlight was a national wedding demonstration, which presented ancient rituals, Bashkir songs, dances, and well-wishes for the newlyweds, conveyed in both Bashkir and Russian to emphasize cross-cultural understanding.
The forum acknowledged Bashkortostan’s status as a leading region in economic development and innovation. This momentum is reinforced by new initiatives introduced by the head of state, which aim to accelerate growth and modernization. A key example is the national “Science and Education” program, under which the inter-university student campus of the Eurasian Science and Education Center is being developed to accommodate 4,300 students. This campus is designed to serve as a magnet for enterprises, scientific and educational institutions, and collaborative ventures, creating a hub for talent, research, and industry partnerships in Bashkortostan. The project reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate higher education with regional economic needs, fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals and new enterprises that can drive innovation across sectors.
The event at the international exhibition and forum “Russia” brought together representatives from 89 Russian regions, along with leading federal departments, companies, and public organizations. The fair runs from November 4 to April 12 at the VDNKh complex in Moscow, offering a broad platform for regional brands to present capabilities, pilot projects, and investment opportunities. The forum’s structure supports immersive showcases, B2B exchanges, and cultural programs that help visitors understand the value of regional strengths while highlighting Bashkortostan’s particular niche in industry, wellness, and education. The gathering serves as a living showcase of Russia’s diverse economic landscape and a catalyst for strengthened interregional cooperation across the country. The sustained participation of Bashkortostan reinforces the republic’s role as a dynamic contributor to national modernization efforts, and its ongoing collaboration with federal and international partners continues to expand its influence within the region‑wide development agenda.