Belarus
Belarus government plans to spend $3.5bn to support machine building
The Belarusian government plans to spend $3.5bn to support machine building over the next four years. The sector is financially unsustainable and constantly losing employees, so experts say the plan is unlikely to make a difference.
Rise in Belarus minimum wage in regions to BYN1000 by late 2019 seen leading to devaluation
Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is on a drive to improve the quality of life for his citizens but going about it old school style. His order to raise minimum wage in regions to BYN 1000 by late 2019 could prompt devaluation
Belarus in top three holiday spots popular with Russians
Belarus is in the top three spots popular with Russian holidaymakers, according to Yandex.Money, which analyzed the countries the Russians headed to for their breaks this summer.
Eastern Europe winter harvest yields surprise on the upside
The winter harvests in Eastern Europe are all almost in and have surprised on the upside, causing wheat prices to drop in the middle of August.
Belarus forex reserves inch up by 1.6% in July
The foreign reserves of Belarus increased by $103.8mn or 1.6% m/m to $6.665bn in July, following a 25.2% m/m jump in June.
Belarus, China mull $500mn investment fund, closer cooperation
Relations between China and Belarus continue to develop as Beijing uses the small Eastern European state as a bridgehead into Europe. The two governments are mulling setting up a $500mn investment fund and a slew of new joint ventures
Belarus recovery underway in January-June
Belarus is the laggard of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as the rest of the region emerges from recession, but the economy is picking up a little steam mid-year.