Business news

Mogilev airport to launch charter flights to Turkey in June
By prior arrangement with Belavia air carrier, Mogilev airport plans to operate 12 charter flights to Turkey from June to September using Boeing 737 that seat 148 or 128 people, depending on the aircraft modification...

Iran shows interest in Belarus-made machinery
A delegation of Belarusian MPs led by Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich met with Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iranian Minister of Industries, Mines and Trade, and Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss relevant plans...

Russia urged to conduct thorough food quality investigation before banning imports from Belarus
Alexander Lukashenko reminded that when he had become president the country was facing the choice to deepen integration with the West or to preserve the economic ties with Russia which had been developed in the Soviet Union. “I chose the latter. This is the answer to the question where Lukashenko turned or is turning – to the West or to the East. I also initiated the referendum to decide whether we should be with or without Russia. More than two thirds of our people unanimously said that they wanted to be with Russia”...

Belarusian Railways to increase freight traffic on China-Europe-China route in 2017
company will pay attention to hauls between China and Belarus and cooperation with residents of the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone in the transport and logistics sector, and the organization of the international traffic. The Belarusian Railways will also be developing cooperation with Chinese provinces in shipping by high-speed container trains...

Belarus, Ecuador discuss joint agrarian, seafood processing companies
The parties considered the state and prospects of boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including the setting up of joint companies to process seafood and agricultural products, and also cooperation of the two countries in international organizations...

Belarus, Ecuador discuss joint agrarian, seafood processing companies
The parties considered the state and prospects of boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including the setting up of joint companies to process seafood and agricultural products, and also cooperation of the two countries in international organizations...

Iran invites Belarus to partake in North-South, West-East transport corridor projects
The meeting was held as part of the official visit of a Belarusian parliamentary delegation to Iran. “The parties had a friendly and constructive exchange of opinions on different aspects of political, economic, parliamentary, scientific and technical cooperation,” the Council of the Republic said...

Belarus seeks stronger trade with Russia’s Kostroma Oblast
According to Lilia Ananich, Belarus attaches great attention to the development of cooperation with the Russian regions. In 2016 important steps were made to strengthen trade and economic cooperation. A number of contacts were established and a number of projects were considered. “We are looking into the projects, programs which can bring results for both Belarus and Kostroma Oblast,” the minister said...

Kupchyna hails Austrian business' high level of trust in Belarus
The diplomat stressed that Austria has been among the top five investors in the Belarusian economy in the recent years. “In our opinion, this proves a high level of trust in Belarus from the Austrian business,” said Alena Kupchyna...

Belarus, African Union Commission discuss infrastructure projects
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Ethiopia, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the African Union Dmitry Kuptel met with AUC Commissioner (Minister) for Infrastructure and Energy Elham M.Ibrahim on 3 February...

Belarus president approves State Investment Program for 2017
In view of the investment capacity of the state budget, the program envisages the concentration of funds on the facilities commissioned in 2017 and on high-readiness construction objects...

Belarusbank to borrow $100m from China Development Bank
The document authorizes OAO ASB Belarusbank to borrow $100 million from the China Development Bank as an external loan with a view to financing routine operation of the Belarusian bank. It is the first untied loan a Belarusian commercial bank will take from a Chinese partner...

Lukashenko: Belarus made full state debt payments in 2016
“I don’t know why you start talking about refinancing right away. If we need refinancing, we will think about it. But for now we intend to use our own resources this year to pay as much as we have to pay”...

No disagreement between Belarus, IMF over utilities, management of state enterprises
“Two issues are left to be addressed. The solutions are nearly ready. We just have to make the relevant political decision and become part of the program. Cost recovery is what matters as far as utilities are concerned. As a matter of principle, we have found all the exits and have polished some part of the project"...

Lukashenko promises thorough investigation of investor ‘intimidation’ cases
“If we receive information that an investor is intimidated by someone, those responsible will be punished severely. We use an absolutely different policy. If such things happen, tell me about this and we will investigate the situation, I have enough powers for this”...

Lukashenko: It is premature to introduce private land ownership
The head of state believes there should be no hurry in this matter. “We are not ready for it. Land can be leased for a long period of time. Anyone is welcome to lease land and work. They say that once land is in private ownership, it cannot be taken away. This is not true: if you violate the law, the land will be taken away. Our legislation envisages the forfeiture of property,” said Alexander Lukashenko...

Lithuania asked not to politicize Belarus’ NPP project
The President stressed that Belarus is ready to employ Lithuanian specialists who lost their jobs due to the closure of the Ignalina plant. Many people are ready to come and are actually coming to work at the future plant. But the main thing is that Belarus is ready to sell electricity to Lithuania at normal prices...

Lukashenko: Belarus has lost $15bn due to unequal prices on the Belarusian and Russian markets
“Due to unequal prices, unequal conditions Belarus has lost $15 billion only because of the prices. The Russian side recognizes the figure and has lent us $5 billion. I am not entirely happy with the fact that they took $15 billion from us with these prices and lent us our money — and only one third of it at that — with an interest rate three times higher than the IMF offers. Is it normal?” wondered Alexander Lukashenko...

Lukashenko promises to attend Assembly of Business Circles
“If you invite me, I will attend the assembly,” the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko also remarked that the serious reformation of the Entrepreneurship Council under the aegis of the President is currently in progress...

Plans to cut down on small business inspections in Belarus
“We will toughen the laws with respect to responsibility of managers. Then neither the Emergencies Ministry nor hygienic service will be running around. It will be the head of the company who will be making every effort to make sure that everything goes well. This is the way it should be,” the head of state said...