Opinions & Interviews

ALMATY, 2 February (BelTA) – Belarus develops the most attractive conditions for the operation of IT companies, Belarus’ Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said at a plenary session of the international forum Digital Agenda in the Era of Globalization held in Almaty on 2 February, BelTA informs.

Belarus has determined digital transformation as a priority for national development. One of the key moments in this work is the creation of the most attractive conditions for the operation of leading IT companies, the total elimination of barriers in the implementation of new technologies, and the formation of an ecosystem of innovations.

The most important step in this direction was the Decree No. 8 "On the Development of Digital Economy" adopted in December 2017. The document envisages the creation of unprecedented conditions for the operation of companies in the Hi-Tech Park, which has already become the largest IT cluster in Eastern Europe with the software production volume exceeding $1 billion.

The decree provides zero tax rates for the Hi-Tech Park resident companies, free capital flow, the application of English law in concluding transactions, and other serious preferences. “In addition, all businesses based on blockchain, cryptocurrency, mining, and ICO are fully legalized and tax-exempt in the Hi-Tech Park,” said Andrei Kobyakov.

Another component of Belarus’ digital transformation strategy is the creation of a new digital transformation management system. “We have a clear understanding that this issue is not just about technology. It is more about competent administration of reforms. We have an ambitious goal to make all the economic sectors open for innovation. We also need a system to provide immediate response to rapid technological changes,” the prime minister said. Belarus will continue international integration of its digital economy, primarily with its EAEU partners.

The purpose of the forum Digital Agenda in the Era of Globalization is to promote the EAEU region in global digitalization, strengthen partnership in this area among the participating countries. The main topic of the discussions is the integration of information systems of the EAEU states. The plenary session is attended by the prime ministers of the CIS countries, the Chairman of the EEC Board and international experts. The program of the forum also includes thematic sessions "Innovations and Technological Entrepreneurship", "EAEU Digital Agenda: Initiatives and Projects", "Industrial Digitalization (Industry 4.0)", "Digital Transformation of Agriculture in the EAEU".

Attending the forum are the prime ministers of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, the official delegations of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, and also representatives of big international IT companies.