The business environment in Belarus

Minsk tractors

An overview of business environment in Belarus: main industries, free economic zones, communications and transport infrastructure

Main industries in Belarus

Belarus has a well-developed industrial sector, which accounts for around 25,3% of the country’s GDP. Some of its main industries are:

• engineering
• tractors and machinery including dump trucks and earth movers (Belarus tractors are well regarded throughout the region)
• chemicals
• motorbikes (eg Minsk Moto)
• textiles
• timber
• radio electronics

Free economic zones in Belarus

Each region of Belarus has a free economic zone. Businesses operating in these zones enjoy a range of benefits including:

• zero-rate tax on exports for the first 5 years
• exemptions on turnover tax, road tax and property tax
• entitlement to open foreign and Belarusian currency bank accounts
• priority at border crossings
• full exemption from import duty on raw materials

Communications infrastructure in Belarus

Telephone network: the phone system in Belarus is run by state organisation Beltelecom

Connectivity: worldwide connectivity is provided by 3 fibre-optic segments. Mobile networks are growing rapidly in Belarus.

Internet: more than a third of people in Belarus are connected to the internet and this figure is rising. The number of Belarus websites has increased significantly in recent years too.

Transport links in Belarus

The country’s geographically strategic position between Europe and Russia means Belarus has very good road and rail networks.

The public transport system is excellent, with frequent, punctual rail and bus services throughout the country. Minsk metro is the country’s first underground rail network.

The importance of science and technology

With high levels of education in Belarus the Government is active in promoting the development of science and technology in Belarus.

In 2005 the President of Belarus opened the High Technology Park in Minsk. 

There are currently 60+ companies operating in the park, where people can work tax-free for the first year.

These include:

• 32 Belarusian companies
• 16 international companies
• 13 joint-venture companies

These companies are engaged in:

• software design and analysis
• software-based data processing
• scientific research and development

There are plans to set up an IT Academy at the technology park, involving global IT companies.

Belarus market statistics

send friend

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks