By Olga Anishchenko: Economic security is becoming a priority for Belarus. Today, the issue was discussed at an international forum in the capital. It was organized by the Minsk Dialogue initiative. The meeting was attended by a wide range of international experts. Ensuring economic independence is of particular interest to our country. Comments and forecasts of specialists were listened to.
Diversification of exports and reduction of dependence on key trade and economic partners is one of the most important tasks for the sustainable development of the Belarusian economy - in the context of globalization. Belarus seeks a systematic reorientation of foreign trade.
The widening of economic ties will be facilitated by an early entry into the World Trade Organization. The process is activated. And it's nearing the end. The WTO for Belarus can help protect the country's trade interests, but it can also improve its business image. Today, this is a key condition for long-term interest on the part of investors, experts said at the forum. Clear rules of work are needed. Belarus, by the way, is improving the law. But today investments policies increasingly need to be built taking into account global trends.
Alexander Zaborovsky, the Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Belarus:
"We see a very serious outflow of capital from emerging markets. And we must take into account these global trends to be effective in terms of institutional structure, and to offer new tools that will accelerate economic growth and be competitive in this global world."
Experts also discussed transparent conditions for the work of investors, openness of the banking system, and stable international relations.
At the same time, high technologies are coming to the forefront. And Belarus can be in the forefront of the process here.
Douglas Griffiths, the Deputy Director for International Relations of the European Centre for Security Studies:
"Belarus has an indisputable advantage in this respect. It has a strong educational base. But at the same time there must be some flexibility to apply and adapt this knowledge in the real sector of the economy."
The removal of visa barriers serves as great help for business contacts. Belarus took the first step and can count on reciprocal support. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry assures that negotiations on simplification of the visa regime with the European Union will continue. The first step is to solve some technical issues. The main one, though, is the introduction of biometric passports for Belarusian citizens.
