OSCE, International Finance Corporation help Belarus discuss reform of administrative procedures for business development

MINSK, 26 November 2008 - Simplifying administrative procedures executed by government agencies and institutions in relation to business entities in Belarus and international standards in the field were topics discussed at a workshop in Minsk today.

The event was organized by the OSCE Office in Minsk and the International Finance Corporation.

"This workshop will review existing administrative procedures and suggest ways to simplify them. This will help promote efficient mechanisms for economic and social development and attract foreign investment," said Ambassador Hans-Jochen Schmidt, the Head of the OSCE Office.

The workshop brought together local and foreign experts from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Denmark, Serbia and the World Bank.

Craig Bell, the World Bank Group Representative for Belarus, added: "Simplifying and eliminating administrative procedures will reduce time and costs for both the government and businesses. Improving the regulatory environment serves as a strong marketing tool for both foreign and domestic investment promotion."