Business Profile
Economy: By comparison with other former Soviet republics, Belarus has few natural resources but a higher level of economic development. The main agriculture crops are sugar beet, grain and potatoes; livestock breeding is also substantial. Manufacturing industry is focused on the production of agricultural machinery vehicles and chemicals, most of which have been exported in the past. Apart from a few oil and gas deposits, Belarus has no energy reserves and relies on imports, most of which come from the Russian Federation. Like other Soviet republics, Belarus suffered a sharp decline in output and a variety of other problems following the dissolution of the Soviet Union; this was then followed by a period of stabilisation which took hold during the mid-1990s as the Government and people adjusted to new economic circumstances. A new currency, the Belarusian Rouble, was introduced at the beginning of 1995. However, the Government's reluctance to implement measures favoured by international donor institutions (IMF, World Bank and the EBRD which Belarus joined in 1992) and the attitude of the Lukashenko regime meant that the country is largely cut off from finance from this source and faces a difficult future in developing its economy, especially in view of the uncertain situation in the Russian Federation. The Government has been looking to Arab states, including Syria and Iraq, to build foreign economic links to supplement its existing ones, which rely mainly on the most active members of the Commonwealth of Independent States - the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Business: For business meetings, visitors should dress smartly. English is widely used in management circles and knowledge of German might also be useful. Appointments should be made well in advance and should be confirmed nearer the time. Cards should have a Russian translation on the back. Business transactions are likely to take quite a long time. Office hours: 0900-1800 Monday to Friday.
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Belarus, Masherava 14, 220035 Minsk (tel: (17) 226 9127; fax: (17) 226 9860; e-mail: mbox@cci.by; website: www.cci.by).
Conferences/Conventions: The 3-star Hotel Yubileynaya offers conference facilities for up to 250 persons, including simultaneous translation services. This facility is operated by Belintourist (see address section). The following organisation can also give information regarding conferences and conventions in Belarus: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ul Lenina 19, 220030 Minsk (tel: (17) 220 2635; fax: (17) 220 1964 or 224 521).
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