Business news

MINSK, 9 February (BelTA) – Belarus First Deputy Economy Minister Alexander Zaborovsky and Director General for Political Affairs of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Simon Gass met in Minsk on 9 February to discuss the prospects for economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Economy Ministry of Belarus.

“Simon Gass said that the UK is interested in developing bilateral trade and economic cooperation with Belarus and also emphasized the interest of British investment funds in diversifying their investment portfolios,” the press service informed.

Alexander Zaborovsky welcomed the position of the UK which does not present Belarus with a geopolitical choice between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union. “Belarus plays the role of a bridge between the West and the East, which, in turn, opens up new opportunities for the country’s economy,” the press service quoted the First Deputy Economy Minister as saying.

Alexander Zaborovsky informed the British guests on the main structural reforms in the Belarusian economy that are aimed to contribute to its sustainability. He also stressed that the experience in economic reforms of the UK and other EU countries is important for Belarus.

Alexander Zaborovsky also updated the British side on the progress made in the talks on a new IMF program for Belarus, on the preparations for privatization of OAO Belinvestbank, and the prospects for Belarus’ economic development in the EEU.

The parties discussed the cooperation with international organizations, including with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the development of a new strategy for Belarus.