Authorities ready to give promises to business once again

The Belarusian Economy Ministry has initiated public discussions of a draft directive “On additional measures to develop entrepreneurship and stimulate economic activity in Belarus”. Previously, at a meeting on tax policy issues, President Lukashenko warned against frequent changes in taxation rules. Amid the lack of resources to buy the loyalty of the population with income growth, increased focus on market issues and new economic liberalization and de-bureaucratisation programmes imply that the authorities are preparing for the election campaign. In addition, the government creates a favourable background for negotiations with international financial institutions, like the IMF, regarding a new loan.