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Belarus Investment Forum exceeded expectations, prime minister says

The Belarus Investment Forum has exceeded all expectations of its organizers, Prime Minister Syarhey Sidorski told reporters in London on Tuesday.

The November 18 event was originally expected to draw about 200 participants but more than 370 took part, the press office of the Belarusian Council of Ministers said.

The number of participants is evidence that European businesses are growing increasingly interested in projects in Belarus, Mr. Sidorski said, adding that each participant had to pay a fee.

The premier said that “realistic projects” had been offered to investors, while the Belarusian delegation had touted the openness of the country’s economy. “We have done everything to ensure that they [the participants] not only hear but also sense the spirit of changes taking place in Belarus. All participants have said that they are ready to invest in our country. Investors, including those in the Arab world, have a huge interest in working in Belarus,” the press office quoted him as saying.

Mr. Sidorski noted that the had met with the top managers of a number of companies to discuss specific projects during the forum. In particular, the US-based Caterpillar equipment maker would like to move some of its plants to Belarus, he revealed.

While in London, Mr. Sidorski met with Caroline Flint, Britain’s minister of state for Europe, British MPs and businesspeople, the press office said. //BelaPAN