Business news

MINSK, 14 January (BelTA) – Belarus and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are set to increase the number of joint infrastructure projects. The matter was discussed during the meeting between Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Matyushevsky and a delegation headed by EBRD Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus Francis Malige, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian government.

The parties discussed major areas of cooperation and projects implemented within the framework of EBRD’s new country strategy for Belarus for 2016-2019.

Vasily Matyushevsky thanked the EBRD for expert advice and financial support. He pointed out that over €1.7 billion was invested in the development of important fields over the years of cooperation. More than a half of the sum was invested in significant projects in 2011-2015.

Vasily Matyushevsky expressed hope for successful implementation of new joint projects between Belarus and the EBRD. He also hopes that the bank will soon give up the so-called calibrated approach to Belarus. “We believe this will help us considerably boost our cooperation, especially in respect of pre-privatization transactions,” Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister said.

For his part, Francis Malige spoke about the preparation of EBRD’s new country strategy for Belarus for 2016-2019. He believes that the number of joint projects in the public infrastructure sector may be increased. Francis Malige noted that the project of Belinvestbank’s privatization is one of the most successful joint projects of Belarus and the EBRD. Finally, he confirmed the plans to further implement the program of institutional development of the banking institution.