“Recently we’ve seen growing interest from international financial organisations regarding the realisation of projects in Belarus,” underlines Mr. Pawlik. He adds, “We hope that the improving economic situation in Belarus will raise the country’s credit rating, helping intensify Polish-Belarusian economic partnerships.”
At seminar for Polish investors, hosted by Minsk
In his view, international financial organisations’ interest in Belarus derives from optimism regarding our economic development. Sceptics would have us believe that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation are looking about for alternate ‘recipients’ of investment funds because of conflict in the region but, in truth, these organisations are realising Belarus’ potential and prospects.
Mr. Pawlik emphasises that ‘the rhetoric of reform should translate into real action’ and notes that Poland’s economy has benefitted greatly from co-operation with international financial organisations. Various sectors of the Polish economy, including those not sufficiently attractive from a commercial point of view, have allowed the country to not only upgrade its economy but to introduce international standards in terms of attracting investment.
Mr. Pawlik has invited investors to take advantage of the opportunities being offered by international organisations in Belarus, being convinced that this will inspire further dynamic development of Belarusian-Polish economic relations and effective use of existing potential. He also welcomes Belarus’ use of opportunities being offered by the Polish banking system and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (KUKE). He notes, “In view of the excellent results of co-operation in this field and the assessment of Belarus as a responsible borrower, we’ve decided to lower interest rates on loans to Belarusian projects to a minimum level.”
The seminar in Minsk aimed to present investment opportunities being offered in Belarus through international programmes run by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and by the International Finance Corporation. Representatives of the Department of Foreign Economic Affairs (of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus) and the National Agency for Investment and Privatisation also presented opportunities for investment, as did specialists from the Mogilev and Grodnoinvest free economic zones.
By Vladimir Khromov
