The business environment in Belarus

Minsk tractors

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

Main industries in Belarus

Belarus has a well-developed industrial sector, which accounts for around 31,7% of the country’s GDP (2011). 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 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

Belarus is currently working on a special economic zone, the future China-Belarus industrial park. It will feature industrial and logistics zones, residential and office buildings, financial and R&D centers. In accordance with the presidential decree, the industrial park will enjoy tax and customs privileges, other preferences and favorable conditions for doing business.

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. 

The Hi-Tech Park currently has more than 100 resident companies.

The companies are engaged in:
- software development
- development and assimilation of software solutions
- IT outsourcing, IT services
- outsourcing of business processes and other things.

The Hi-Tech Park’s resident companies focus on two areas:
- custom-made software development to address unique challenges of any enterprise,
- development of ready-to-use software.

Proprietary software of the HTP resident developers cater to companies (B2B) and household consumers (B2B).

For B2B market the HTP develops ERP systems, integrated banking systems, software for the complex automation of banks, cloud business platforms, etc.

For B2C market the HTP designs mobile applications for Android, iOS, computer games, and other products. The Belarusian game World of Tanks has achieved international recognition.

The HTP’s clients are companies from 50 countries all over the world.

The HTP operates an HTP education center, the Belarusian-Indian education center, which trains personnel for the IT-industry.

Belarus is also working on the project to set up a technological cluster Belbiograd that will specialize in nano and biotechnologies and pharmaceutics.

Belarus market statistics

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