Белорусско-германские экономические отношения (1991 - 1996 гг.)

Abstract

The article "Belarusian-German economic relations (1991—1996)" is devoted to one of the most important directions of the international economic policy of the Republic of Belarus — the relations with the FRG in 1991—96. The economic cooperation of the two countries in the given period was implemented along the following directions: the formation of a legal agreement base, determination of development strategy of bilateral economic relations, the activities of Belarusian- German Council on economic cooperation, trade development, cooperation in the spheres of direct investments and loans, consulting and expertise assistance in the organization of professional training and refresher courses, participation in exhibitions and international economic projects etc. During the period of 1991—96 Belarusian-German relations were an important factor of the development of Belarusian economy, promotion of its reform towards the establishment of market relations. Germany was the leading trade and economic partner of Belarus among the countries of Western Europe. It took the leading role among other countries what concerns the realization of a range of directions of economic cooperation in Belarus: coordination of economic relations, consulting and expert assistance, cooperation in the sphere of overcoming of consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, training and retraining of specialists, loan granting, direct investment and international trade. Directions and possibilities of cooperation of the two countries were not realized in full due to several reasons: imperfection of the legal base of the economic reform, the inconsistent policy of Belarusian authorities in the sphere of structural reform, unwillingness to change the property relations, to develop small and medium business, the use of administrative methods of economy regulation and the actions aimed at close economic and political cooperation with the Russian Federation — all that has made potential partners and investors in Germany apprehensive. Nevertheless, the potential, experience and the results of economic cooperation of Belarus and Germany in 1991—96 are significant for further development of the bilateral relations.