Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 29 November (BelTA) – The government has been working hard to improve the ratings of the Belarusian economy, Belarus Prime Minister Sergei Rumas said at the Development Bank’s first international business forum for foreign partners BelarusCrossway’18 on 29 November, BelTA has learned.

“I believe that Belarus is a very interesting spot on the map of international financial business for many foreign lenders and investors. We are actively working to improve our ratings, move up in the OECD country classification. This year we have moved from the seventh into the sixth group and will keep striving for new achievements. Today, Belarus has been in the focus of attention of many major players of the financial industry, and with every new project their number is growing,” said Sergei Rumas.

The international business forum BelarusCrossway’18 has drawn representatives of many foreign banks and financial companies that maintain fruitful and mutually beneficial relations with Belarus. “Today's event, held under the auspices of the Development Bank, will provide an opportunity to discuss the results we achieved and the plans for the future, find new solutions and points of common interest. I believe that such large-scale events should be carried out throughout the country on a regular basis. It is only through joint efforts that we can find new points of growth and development,” the prime minister said.

According to him, Belarus has always been open to fruitful constructive cooperation in any sector, including the financial one. “I believe that having implemented joint projects with Belarusian partners you appreciated their efficiency and professionalism, as well as impeccable payment discipline. Historically the financial and banking sectors have always been at the forefront of innovative changes in the economy in Belarus. The national financial system is one of the drivers of growth and development of the economy,” Sergei Rumas said. Therefore, projects involving foreign borrowings are primarily assessed as to whether they are instrumental in addressing the country’s challenges such as creation of innovative industries, promoting export growth, strengthening the role of small and medium-sized businesses, he added.

“We appreciate business relations with our long-time partners who, despite any negative changes in the global financial landscape over the past decade, have retained interest in cooperation with Belarusian companies, demonstrated willingness to seek compromise and mutually beneficial solutions,” Sergei Rumas noted.

At the same time Belarus is ready to establish business relations with new partners. Belarus will always build up business relations on the principles of openness, transparency, parity of mutual interests and mutual benefits, the prime minister said.