This paper is devoted to the study of the concept of responsible investment and the assessment of gender balance in the corporate governance of state-owned companies in Belarus.

In 2018, only the ICT sector was stably attractive to investors, unlike public sector assets. Belarus’ overall investment prospects remained bleak.

The study focuses on three issues. First, the paper analyses the Belarusian experience in the creation of special economic zones. Second, we look at how the GSIP has been developing so far and what lessons have been learned from the past experience. Lastly, this paper makes policy recommendations on how to increase the efficiency of the Belarus-China cooperation under the GSIP project.

Although the government’s plans to raise foreign financing were fulfilled, the results of 2017 were ambiguous in this respect. The private sector and, especially, hi-tech startups generated investors’ profound interest. Investments in the public sector were provided by the state through external borrowing and redistribution of funds raised this way. The public sector thus remains unattractive for investors, but, in fact, it seeks state subsides, rather than investments. In 2017, the government took a number of important steps to improve the regulatory framework for investment and to stimulate business ventures.

Foreign Investment: Startups and Innovations or Loans

International rankings are the second important source after mass media which investors use to learn about business climate in a foreign country. Today Belarus is represented only in the ratings with free participation.

Although the government’s plans to raise foreign financing were fulfilled, the results of 2017 were ambiguous in this respect. The private sector and, especially, hi-tech startups generated investors’ profound interest. Investments in the public sector were provided by the state through external borrowing and redistribution of funds raised this way. The public sector thus remains unattractive for investors, but, in fact, it seeks state subsides, rather than investments. In 2017, the government took a number of important steps to improve the regulatory framework for investment and to stimulate business ventures.

Foreign Investment: Startups and Innovations or Loans