"We will build the economy of tomorrow"

"Belarus is a part of Europe.

And this concerns not only geography.

We share European values.

We are a part of European history and a part of the European vision.

I am talking about both the geopolitical and the economic vision,"

Svetlana Tsikhanovskaya

said at the economic forum in Davos (Switzerland).

The politician emphasized that Belarus will always be a part of the huge European economy:

"If democratic changes take place in my country, the countries of the European Economic Zone will be our main partners in trade and investment."

Tsikhanovskaya said that her economic team is working on much-needed economic reforms for the future of Belarus.

"The economy of Belarus will be built on a strong, innovative private sector.

Businesses that will create jobs, pay taxes and help build a strong middle class.

We will build the economy of tomorrow, where it will be much easier for both Belarusian and foreign investors to start and run a business.

We will definitely take note of the best examples of economic reforms, including in Poland, Estonia, Israel, Singapore and other countries.

But we will have to go a long way to make Belarus one of the most attractive business climates in Europe and the world," Tsikhanovskaya said and noted that her team is not afraid of the economic challenges that the new Belarus will face.

"State enterprises will be evaluated and most of them will be privatized"

"We already know what to do to overcome them [economic challenges]:

  • First of all, we will have to work hard to lift the sanctions from Belarus.

    Second, we will begin deep liberalization reforms to stimulate the development of the private sector and the low-carbon green economy, and attract foreign investors.

  • Third, we will strive to liberalize foreign trade by signing free trade area agreements with our key trading partners, including the European Union.

  • Fourth, state-owned enterprises will be evaluated and most of them will be privatized, while some will undergo major changes in management.

  • Finally, from the very first day of the transition, we will start deep institutional reforms, including reform of the judicial system, reform of education and reform of public administration," said the democratic leader of Belarus.

She reminded that the European Union is ready to provide a package of economic support to launch these reforms.

"The European Commission has already guaranteed 3 billion euros of support to the future democratic Belarus.

Other democracies such as the United States, Canada and Great Britain, as well as international organizations, will also lend their financial support to ensure that the reforms are deep and comprehensive.

Many talented Belarusians will return to their homeland as business leaders, private investors and businessmen.

In the new Belarus, every business will be properly taken into account and respected by the state.

And these businesses will not only bring prosperity to the country, but also protect us from the dictatorship, - said the politician.

- But that's in the future.

The future that Belarusians are fighting for today.

Today, the level of terror in Belarus is only getting worse.

Last year alone, about 5,000 politically motivated criminal cases were instituted.

About 17 new names appear in the lists of detainees every day."

"More than 200,000 Belarusians had to leave the country after August 2020 due to repression"

Tsikhanovskaya emphasized that today there are no such people in Belarus who could feel safe.

Those who still manage their business face the risk of being arrested on absurd charges and losing it every day.

"To take hostages of businessmen and top managers just so that they pay a ransom to the state is a common practice for the regime.

Due to the repression after August 2020, more than two hundred thousand Belarusians had to leave the country(...) They can become valuable partners and good taxpayers for democratic countries.

They can bring not only financial dividends, not only create new jobs, but also share experience in business communities."

Tsikhanovskaya noted that it is important to build partnership relations with such Belarusians, not with the regime.

"I call on the authorities of other countries to accept Belarusian businessmen"

Any relations with official Minsk, according to Tsikhanovskaya, only delay the goal of Belarusians to build a free, successful democratic state.

The politician urged foreign leaders to stop any ties with businesses and people close to Lukashenka, and to establish ties with honest businesses of democratic Belarus.

"I call on the authorities of other countries to accept Belarusian businessmen.

I urge international companies to hire Belarusian men and women.

I call on international organizations and political figures to help us solve the key problems of Belarusian business."

The democratic leader of Belarus also singled out three main problems for today:

  • 1) growing demand for visas for the relocation of employers, employees and their families;

  • 2) difficulties in opening and maintaining bank accounts;

  • 3) limited access to financing and investments due to lack of credit history.

"The elimination of these problems will allow our honest entrepreneurs to stay in business and be ready to continue working in the new democratic Belarus."

One can only imagine what they will achieve if favorable conditions for doing business are created in Belarus and there is no fear of losing everything.

I am proud of Belarusian business.

And I will do everything possible so that Belarusian businesses around the world can be proud of themselves and their country.

I am grateful to those who are already helping us.

Together we make the history of Belarus and Europe.

And I look forward to meeting you in the new Belarus, which we believe we will build very soon," said Svyatlana Tikhanovskaya.