The European Union (EU) is preparing a new program aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Belarus and the vocational training system.
Head of the European Union Delegation to Belarus Andrea Wiktorin made a statement to this effect in a speech at the Kastrycnicky Economic Forum (KEF-2016).
Referring to SMEs as the backbone of economic development of any country, including Belarus, Andrea Wiktorin said the EU was interested in macroeconomic stability, economic growth and reforms in Belarus.
The European Union is one of the key donors, a neighbor and one of the largest trade partners of Belarus. The EU wants Belarus to be prosperous and independent, capable of facilitating continual and safe transit of passengers and cargos, with fair and intelligible terms for EU investors.
The EU representative drew the focus on Belarus’ economic problems: since 2015 the country has been dwelling in a recession, with shrinking wages and investments. The dominance of large ineffective state-owned companies is one of the structural weaknesses of Belarus’ economy. The EU will assist Belarus in implementing reforms and provide export support and advisory assistance in negotiations on Belarus’ accession to the WTO, Andrea Wiktorin said. (Prime-TASS/Business World Magazine)