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Key Competitive Attractions

Belarus occupies an excellent position in Europe for reaching key EU and CIS markets. Well-developed road and rail infrastructure connecting the EU and CIS member states and the CIS enhance access into these emerging markets. In addition, Belarus shares the customs area with Russia, ensuring that potential investors benefit from free access to the vast capacities of Russia.

Key Competitive Advantages:

• Significant increase in labour productivity in the last decade
• Political stability
• Comparatively low crime and corruption rates
• A third of GDP is produced in the industrial complex, comprising Belaruskaly Minsk Tractor Plant, Minsk Automobile Plant, Belarusian Automobile Plant, Belarusian Metallurgical Works, Gomel Agricultural Machinery Works, and several other massive enterprises.
• Belarus produces 30% of global output of heavy haulers, 15% of mineral fertilisers, and 6% of tractors.
• Creation of the High Technology Depot is in progress in Belarus, designed to develop software, ICT and other technologies to increase competitiveness, and attract investments in these sectors.
• High Tech Park
• 6 Free Economic Zones (FEZ) benefit from a liberal business environment, preferential taxes, customs and registration fees.
• In 2006, 278 organisations were registered as residents of free economic zones in Belarus.
• In 2005, $85.1 million of foreign investments were concentrated into the Belarusian FEZ, 46.3% of which were direct investments.
• Sectors most attractive in the FEZ for investors include machine-building, metal processing, food production, forestry, wood products, paper products, chemicals and petrochemicals.
• 450 out of every 1,000 workers have attained higher education. The personnel training system established in Belarus guarantees availability of highly skilled labour, particularly in sectors such as the construction of automotive cars, tractors and agricultural machines, as well as optics, radio electronics, and precision engineering.