Belarus: Investing

FDI in Figures

Foreign capital inflow has increased in recent years. More than USD 5 billion in foreign investments came into Belarus between 2003 and 2005, and USD 1.8 billion in 2005 alone. However, FDI flows dropped in 2008-2009, because of the international economic crisis on the one hand, and the country's strong dependence on Russia, on the other hand.

Nearly 3,000 companies founded with the participation of investors from 77 countries are present in Belarus. Belarus' five main investors are Russia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Latvia. The most attractive sectors to foreign investors are construction and metallurgy, consumer goods, chemical and petro-chemical products, wood, transport and the medical sector. 

In order to clean its debts towards international institutions (IMF, Word's Bank) and Russia,  Belarus refuses to obtain new loans and considers to attract investors by proposing the sale of the bank Belinvestbank and its refineries.

Why You Should Choose to Invest in Belarus

Strong Points

Belarus' main strong points are:
- An advantageous geographical position, the country being a point of entry into Europe and into the CIS countries;
- A number of measure favorable to direct foreign investments;
- Political and economic stability;
- A Qualified and cheap labour force.

Weak Points

The country's weak points are still many.  We can particularly name:
- A high level of corruption;
- The slowness of administrative procedures;
- Low quality infrastructures.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

For a number of years, the government has been seeking to enhance the country's appeal at a global level. It has therefore implemented a number of measures to ensure investor protection, has created six duty-free zones in the country and set up Investment Advisory Offices as well as the National Investment  Agency.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

The country is open to direct foreign investment but a number of sectors are still managed by the State, such as the energy distribution sector. For more information go to the National Investment Agency website.

Acquisition of Holdings

A majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal in Belarus. For more information go to the National Investment Agency website.

Obligation to Declare

The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies in the country provides information about authorisations necessary for establishment of businesses.

Competent Organization For the Declaration

National Investment Agency website

Requests For Specific Authorizations

In this country, where admistration rules all, many sectors require a specific authorisation. For more information, go to the website of the National Investment Agency.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Investment Opportunities of the Republic of Belarus

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

Tenders Info, Tenders in Belarus
Globaltenders, Tenders & Projects from Belarus
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

Other Useful Resources

National Investment Agency

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