Small and medium-sized businesses gave contradictory assessments of the quality of the business environment in Belarus. A considerable number of problematic issues are directly connected with state regulations, particularly, with administrative procedures for businesses. Certain improvements were made in this area in 2008 and 2009, with considerable variance in assessments given by survey respondents. Of special concern is that equality for all forms of ownership – as stated in the Constitution – does not always appear to be observed in practice.

The survey data provide not only subjective assessments when analyzing changes in the practices of undergoing certain groups of administrative procedures (APs). In the assessments of licensing, permit issuance and inspection procedures, it is possible to rely upon quantitative indicators. A detailed analysis of the complexity associated with these groups of APs is presented in the corresponding chapters of this report. The evaluation of existing practices of undergoing APs is complemented by a review of relevant legal changes and IFC recommendations for further improvement.

Analytical report ‘BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN BELARUS 2010’ has been produced by IFC through its Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group program in Belarus. The conclusions and judgments contained in this report should not be attributed to, and do not necessarily represent the views of IFC or its Board of Directors or the World Bank or its Executive Directors, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency or the countries they represent. IFC and the World Bank do not guarantee the accuracy of the data in this publication and accept no responsibility for any consequences of their use.

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