Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 30 June (BelTA) – Andrea Wiktorin, Head of the EU Delegation in Belarus, spoke about promising projects to promote the country’s economic development as she attended the opening of the workshop held by the Research Center of the Institute for Privatization and Management (IPM Research Center) jointly with the Research Institute of Economy of the Economy Ministry of Belarus on 30 June, BelTA has learned.

“Considering that economic challenges are the main obstacle hampering Belarus’ development, the European Union channels the bulk of the technical assistance for 2016-2018 into facilitation of the country’s economic development. Together with Belarusian authorities, we design projects in such a way as to ensure that they help solve the current economic problems and find effective solutions to the challenges that may arise in the future,” Andrea Wiktorin said.

She noted that plans have been made to sign a €3 million contract with the World Bank to assist with the implementation of the roadmap of structural reforms in Belarus. Besides, there are plans to conclude a €6 million contract with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to carry out a project of advisory assistance for small business in Belarus. Andrea Wiktorin believes that small business is the backbone of a sound economy.

She added that another €9 million contract will be signed with the UNDP to facilitate local-level development of the economy. In addition, plans have been made to conclude a contract between the National Bank of Belarus and one of the central banks of the EU member states to conduct a professional capacity-building project.

“The European Union supports the October Economic Forum, one of the most important and effective forums in Belarus. Creating market opportunities for the development of business is one of EU’s priorities in the Eastern Partnership countries. The EU would like to see investors come to Belarus. However, to achieve this, it is necessary to look at the situation through the eyes of foreign investors who can invest money in the economy,” Andrea Wiktorin stressed.