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Extensive internal dialogue is needed in Belarus to mend ties with EU, says small business leader

Representatives of the Minsk City Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers and the National Confederation of Private Enterprise held a news conference in Minsk on Thursday to present a report on the business climate in Belarus and the rest of the world at the beginning of 2012.

According to the authors of the report, the Belarusian government still needs to go a long way to improving significantly the business environment in order to increase the country’s attractiveness for international investors. The authors point to “defects” in national tax regulations and regulations governing foreign trade, as well as burdensome procedures that exporters and importers are required to undergo.

Speaking at the news conference, Uladzimir Karahin, chairman of the Minsk Capital Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, also commented on the country’s strained relations with the European Union.

Belarus needs an extensive internal dialogue, said Mr. Karahin. “Many politicians have called for it and government officials keep talking about it, but this dialogue is being delayed for some reason. Representatives of business associations and I believe that an extensive dialogue is needed to discuss not only the current situation but also the prospects for the development of our country and its integration into European processes. Without this dialogue, it will be difficult to find a constructive solution that could suit everybody.” //BelaPAN