Another task within the project "Belarus on the road to the WTO: Problems and Prospects" completed

The entrepreneurs’ survey conducted under the project "Belarus on the road to the WTO: Problems and Prospects” was completed successfully. The survey included an analysis of approximately 430 companies, among which 140 state-owned enterprises, in each of the six wards in Belarus.
In addition to basic questions concerning the number of employees, the type of business, and the economic condition of the region in which the business operates, respondents were also sent a set of more specific questions related to the following 4 topics:

• The anticipated consequences of the accession of Belarus to the WTO, including the likely increase in competitiveness,
• Readiness of entrepreneurs to operate after accession to the WTO,
• The expected impact of WTO membership on each business,
• Government support.

The results of this operation will be used to diagnose Belarus’ current situation and will contribute to the forthcoming seminar and conference.
The company survey is one of nine tasks implemented under the project, which aims to improve cooperation between public institutions and civil society in Belarus in the broad area of policies relating to the accession of Belarus to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The project is particularly well-timed because of the external circumstances (Russia’s accession to the WTO and signing of the Customs Union Agreement) pushing Belarus towards intensifying WTO negotiations. These negotiations require consultation with relevant economic actors, as is reflected in the questionnaire.

More information about the project can be found at the project page.