Meeting with EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux

The Republic of Belarus and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are interested in intensifying cooperation in general and in every project. The statement was made at the meeting of Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux on 17 March.

Belarus encourages the EBRD to invest, first of all, in the modernization of enterprises which will help manufacture products with a high added value. The participants of the meeting stressed that the country is open for all investors and is ready to support all interesting projects which will help create new jobs and use advanced technologies. At the same time, it is important for investors to be fair and responsible.

Belarus is committed to the same principle in the relations with business partners, and the partners of Belarus value the country for it, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. The head of state stressed that the Belarusian side has never promised to do anything it cannot do.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the Belarusian side will not implement projects that do not benefit the state. The President explained that this is his position as a statesman. The entire power vertical is focused on it. “People chose us to protect the interests of the state. But we are absolutely not against private business, responsible business which prioritizes the interests of the state and is not trying to line its pockets only,” the head of state said and added that there are enough responsible businessmen in the country.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has already done a lot in Belarus and views it as a good place for investing. In spite of all difficulties which existed in the relations of Belarus with the European Union and the USA, the EBRD has been always cooperating with Belarus.

The state of affairs has changed today, Belarus is now able to conduct a more open dialogue with the EU, the President said. “It is a good signal and factor for you and for us. We can expand our cooperation. The main thing is that Belarus is prepared for it,” the head of state said.

EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux, in turn, noted that the there is a high level of trust between the EBRD, Belarusian companies and the government. The EBRD can do even more in Belarus today. These issues were discussed at the meeting between the EBRD official and the Belarusian head of state.