Policy Options to Reform Free Economic Zones in Belarus
In Belarus, six Free Economic Zones (FEZs) exist in the country, with the first one (Brest) coming into existence 20 years ago. Their main objectives are according to the Law the promotion of the socio-economic development of Belarus and its regions, the attraction of investments aimed at the creation and development of export-oriented and import-substituting industries based on new and high technologies, as well as other purposes.
A more detailed assessment of their economic performance reveals a very mixed picture, though. While their contribution to the nations FDI and employment stock is relatively limited (5% and 3%, respectively), there have been worrying growth dynamics over the last years. The number of zone residents as well as the people employed in FEZ shrank over the last couple of years. The export share in FEZ is rather poor in international comparison, and they did not really contribute to the diversification of exports from traditional CIS markets towards new markets.
(mehr …)