Opinions & Interviews

Belarus promises longer visa-free travel period to tourists
"We hope that these issues will be handled prior to the 2019 European Games. We may possibly extend the visa-free travel program to also include border checkpoints on the ground. We have to take care of national security first"...

Hope for notable increase in tourist flows in Brest, Grodno
Mikhail Portnoy noted that this is a long-awaited decision that will bring good economic benefits. Since the visa-free entry was introduced, the Augustow Canal and surrounding areas have hosted over 50,000 visa-free tourists...

Huge effect expected from digital economy development ordinance
In his words, with the digital economy development ordinance being adopted, Belarus has formulated its policy in this field, and also the actions of relevant companies and individuals within the framework of cryptocurrencies...

Opinion: IT debureaucratization offers new opportunities for Belarus’ startups
"The ordinance gives the investors an opportunity to understand that nothing will happen to their money under any circumstances. They are protected by the law. This understanding makes our economy more attractive for large investments"...

Lukashenko sends birthday greetings to Emperor Akihito of Japan
The head of state remarked that Belarus and Japan are interested in the development of productive cooperation for the benefit of the two nations...

Belarus president dispels rumors about his cautious attitude to private sector
“I am often criticized that Lukashenko is afraid of private business, of new market relations because ‘they threaten his power’. I believe that if everything was in private hands in Belarus, I would remain the president for ever. Because I can give private business owners what they want: security, tranquility, zero bribes and extortions"...

Belarus’ business development infrastructure praised as full-fledged
"In our opinion, the access to cheap long-term financing, positive changes in the legal environment, the preferential tax treatment have formed a full-fledged infrastructure to support and develop entrepreneurship in Belarus"...

Integrating role of Silk Road Economic Belt for Belarus, China emphasized
“We have acknowledged that the consultations between relevant departments of the foreign ministries are important. A decision has been taken to make this format of cooperation permanent and meetings regular”...

Expansion of visa-free space under consideration in Belarus
“The draft presidential decree regulating visa-free travel of foreign citizens is going through the final stage of the approval process. The visa-free travel program will be extended to ten days in Brest and Grodno as well as their surrounding territories”...

Opinion: Digital economy ordinance will turn Belarus into a hub of knowledge
“Thanks to the ordinance and, I hope, other steps to be made, Belarus can become a leading center of expertise and knowledge in the most progressive fields such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. Knowledge is power”...

Lukashenko pleased with conditions for arts and crafts in Belarus
“Arts and crafts are popular among Belarusians. Some 23,000 people were involved in this branch of the economy last year. Their number was five times smaller several years ago"...

Formula for interaction between authorities and business worked out in Belarus
"Every government official should follow the standard formula in maintaining contacts with business. If the law allows providing assistance, do it. If the law does not envisage any help, do not interfere. If the law requires intervention, act”...

Wiktorin praises Belarus-EU economic cooperation in 2017
Among the good examples she also cited a new strategy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for Belarus and the signing of the contract to continue cooperation in assisting small and medium-sized businesses...

Lukashenko: No early elections in Belarus
“Some people are waiting for early elections because the president has formed a big reserve fund. No early elections will be held. There are no reasons or trends to do this,” the Belarusian leader underlined...

Belarus president encourages further development of farm tourism
The head of state stressed that the decree on farm and ecological tourism development was designed to encourage further development of private business in the countryside. “In 2007 we made the right decision by enabling special terms for farm tourism estates"...

Belarus president encourages private business development in small towns, countryside
The head of state spoke at length about the development of retail and services sphere in the countryside and about efforts to improve the self-employment of citizens. He said he was concerned about small and medium private companies focusing primarily on the nation’s capital and some other more or less large cities...

Belarus president criticizes unwarranted inspections of private companies
“Representatives of oversight and law enforcement agencies often drop by without any reason. I want the practice to stop"...

Lukashenko on Ordinance No. 7: No more obstacles to business in Belarus
“Ordinance No. 7 is the key document out of the adopted package. Its goal is to give people the opportunity to develop their business rather than think about the many bureaucratic formalities. You want to do business, you are welcome! There are no more obstacles"...

More candidates for Belarus' current local elections than in 2014
"A lot of initiative groups have been registered to collect signatures. Their number is bigger than it was four years ago. This gives us optimism that we will have more candidates to the local councils than in 2014"...

Belarus’ vice premier: Draft decree on digital economy development approved
According to Vladimir Semashko, the Hi-Tech Park was a successful project in the IT sector, although not everyone was sure that it was needed. "Despite all the crises, recessions, the park has been expanding every year. Last year the park earned a total of $780 million"...