Global Economy

Belarus Computer Industry  

The Research and Development of the component base and architecture of the Belarusian computers was done in a Minsk based Research Institute of Computational Techniques. Nowadays the scientific research association “Cybernetics” of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus is probably dealing with these problems. The computers are assembled also in Minsk in BelABM, the main Belarusian PC and main frame computer manufacturer.  

BelABM is now the partner with Compaq and Fujitsu. It manufactures LANs and PCs. BelABM also is the partner with GlobalOne in telecommunications.  

Laser and Optical Industry of Belarus Let’s just list below the major Belarusian optical enterprises: Lida Optical Plant “Optik” is the second largest optical plant in Europe after Carl Zeiss. In the former Soviet Union it was specifically designed as a mass manufacturer of optical elements. Optical elements such as lenses, prisms, flats, etc., are manufactured here. The idea was that the plant would concentrate on optics while further optic-mechanical enterprises would use its product to assemble objectives and other optic-mechanical devices. The plant is capable of mass production of millions and millions of optical elements. Lately they also started to pool optical fibber, do optical coatings, including photo chromic coats. All major optical plants of the former Soviet Union were the customers of this giant.  

Basically, if you are looking for a cheap supplier of big quantities (millions) of high quality glass and quartz optical elements - Lida “Optik” could be the way to go.  

BelOMO is a major optic-mechanical assembly plant of the former USSR and Belarus now. It is the designer and manufacturer of laser, optoelectronic and optic mechanical instruments. Products include topographic and multispectral photographic equipment, photogrammetric devices, laser devices, optoelectronic sighting devices, and medical equipment based on laser systems. It was set up as a manufacturer of high resolution satellite cameras and is still listed in various space war lists. So there are rather high standards of quality here. As far as peaceful applications, it manufactures objectives, photo cameras, etc. Some of the satellite photos of Russian Sovinformsputnik were done on BelOMOs TK-350 satellite topographic camera with 10 meter ground resolution. The enterprise cooperates with Swedish Latronix. German CARL ZEISS has a joint venture with Smarhon Optical Machine Tool Plant. This plant was the SINGLE supplier of ALL optical plants of the former USSR with optical polishing equipment. They also manufacture industrial vacuum measurement sensors/ electronics.  

Minsk Laser Plant. This is an experimental plant that is manufacturing YAG lasers, laser power supplies, and solid state pumped dye lasers with harmonics generators. Established in 1991, manufacturer of laser rods and laser crystals including alexandrite, Ti-sapphire, forsterite and lanthanum beryllate. Their products could be pretty cool. Other Belarusian institutions related to optics/ lasers are the Institute of Applied Physical Problems, the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Applied Optics of National Academy of Sciences, “October” Glass Factory, “Optron” Instrument Manufacturing Plant. Generally, Belarusian Laser and Spectroscopy school is pretty strong.  

Horizont. The TV-production Corporation HORIZONT (Minsk) has more than 40 years of experience in the market. Currently they manufacture color TV-sets; modern equipment for cable and satellite television; office furniture. The company has its own considerable production facilities and qualified personnel for the assembling of modern consumer electronics. HORIZONT Corporation is a state enterprise, including 5 plants and the Design-Centre. They cooperate with such known companies as Philips Semiconductor; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Siemens AG; Thomson, and many others. The main reasons why it’s good to deal with HORIZONT are the following: - no customs borders with Russia - the location in the centre of Europe - the permission to found a free economic zone on the base of HORIZONT (release from taxes applies to the partners as well) - the availability of the vacant production capacities and qualified personnel - the availability of the Design-Centre – the prospective designer of the future projects. 

Chemical Industry of Belarus: Belarus has perhaps the most modernized and powerful chemical industry among the CIS states besides Russia. The chemical industry specializes first of all in the processing of Russian oil products going through the pipelines to the west (primarily Germany); synthetic polymers, mineral fertilizers, pharmaceutics, household chemical products.  

Polymer Synthesis in Belarus: Several major Belarusian enterprises are manufacturing polymers, synthetic fibers, polymer film etc. Among such enterprises are “Khimvalakno” (synthetic polyester fibre plant in Grodno); Rudensk plastic manufacturing plant near Miensk; ZIV - Mahilyow Viscose Fibre Plant and “Khimplast” (plastics and polymer manufacturer/ recycler plant) and Mogilev Regenerate Plant (recycling plastic materials).  

Production of Mineral Fertilizers in Belarus: Belarus is the world biggest supplier of potassium mineral fertilizers - the only mineral resource met in abundance in our land. “BelarusKali” is the world’s largest potassium fertilizer manufacturer; “Azot” is a giant enterprise manufacturing nitro-mineral fertilizers and other nitro compounds. It is now a part of the Belarusian Consortium which includes also Khimvolokno, Polymir etc.  

Belarusian Pharmaceutical Industry: it turns out that Belarusian pharmaceutical industry is not so bad. Some foreigners buy antibiotics in packs when in Belarus. Keep in mind that extremely strict former USSR governmental standards on medicine are still operating. Of course, with the disintegration of the industrial network of the CIS the production has fallen and there is a deficit of medicine now in Belarus. Major enterprises are Mogilev plant of medicine and Mogilev plant of veterinary medicine.  

Household Chemical Products from Belarus: there are several plants involved in production of stuff like shampoo, detergents, etc. for example, Brest Chemical Plant of Household Products.  

The Belarusian Semiconductor Industry - one of the main branches of Belarusian economy. During the USSR times Belarus semiconductor industry was taking care of the mass manufacturing of main-stream semiconductor elements, ICs and computer chips. Belarusian enterprises were mostly oriented on consumer electronics and mid-level ICs. The main Belarusian semiconductor consortium - Research and Production Corporation “Integral” - is in fact the largest in Eastern Europe semiconductor Production Company. In fact it consists of 6 plants and 3 design centers providing complete cycle of production of electronic components. The headquarters of “Integral” are located in Dzerzhinsky Plant. “INTEGRAL” Research and Production Corporation was established in 1971 in Minsk, it was the biggest semiconductor manufacturer in the former USSR, both for national economy and for defense needs.  

At present time the Corporation includes five plants and four R&D centers in different regions of the Republic of Belarus. Under new political and economical conditions, “Integral ” make active efforts for conversion and diversification of the range of their products. By extending and updating the new high technology goods of its own design, “Integral” wants to be useful for its customers and tries to solve the difficult problems of keeping its competitiveness, to gain the access to new markets and receive international recognition.  

Production Association RADIOVOLNA concentrates main attention on production of complicated radio electronic devices and electro technical goods for automobile industry. At present time the association enlarges sale markets of car stereo systems, TV sets, radio receivers generators and accessories for diesel engines, electro technical goods for agriculture and cable TV equipment, aspires to be useful to customers constantly producing now qualitative goods.  

Production association RADIOVOLNA has wide opportunities in: 

- Forming production; 

- Mechanical treatment 

- Plastic processing 

- Electroplating and paint coating 

- Production of complicated technological and non-standard equipment on CHARMILLES TECHNOLOGIES machines.  

Belarus Auto Moto Industry. The BELAZ Trade Corporation (BTC) groups of companies have complete range of products and original services; they are the worldwide supplier of haul trucks, road construction machinery, service vehicles & other haulage equipment with the BELAZ trademark. When Belarusians think of something they have accomplished in industry most likely they think about their auto industry, and primarily Minsk Automobile Plant - MAZ.

Indeed we could be proud of the machines that are working in all corners of the former USSR - deserts of Middle Asia, polar tundra, Siberian taiga, quarries of the Urals and many countries of the world. German businesses are cooperating with MAZ. Ford has already built a plant in Belarus acknowledging our successes in automobile manufacturing. Czech “Skoda” followed them. Great Britain is considering Belarus as a partner for future cooperation, too.
The Production Association “Minsk Tractor Works”, MTZ, is one of the largest manufacturers of tractors in the world. MTZ Belarus is an association of 6 cooperating Belarusian plants. MTZ Belarus has received 32 international quality certificates. More than 3 Millions of MTZ Belarus tractors successfully operate in over 100 countries around the world all year round in various climate and soil conditions.
           

Currently MTZ manufactures:
-24 different models of ploughing tractors ranging from 50 to 130 h.p.;
- 6 models of small tractors with engine power from 20 to 35 h.p.;
- 8 models of mini-tractors and moto-blocks with engine power ranging from 6 to 12 h.p.;
- 16 models of loaders, forestry, mine and maintenance machines;
- spare parts for the tractors;
- metal processing equipment and other stuff.
  
Gomselmash is one of the largest producers of agricultural machinery in the CIS and Eastern Europe. Gomselmash manufactures fodder -picking combines and multi-functional agricultural machines: mowing machines, machinery complexes for sugar-beet cultivation, tractor trailers, mini-tractors with optional attachments and automobile components.
With metallurgical and preparatory technology, mechanical assembly and instrument production capacity, the largest network of warehouses, their own means of transportation, and the well-qualified staff, Gomselmash is able to undertake a wide range of technical production orders. It is currently seeking new partners interested in investing in joint ventures. Gomselmash is prepared to consider proposals within their field of expertise.
Oil Processing Industry of Belarus: Belarus oil-refining industry changes its structure and proprietorship. From the Belarusian press talks, speeding up privatization in this industry has begun to assume a specific shape. Some governmental structures are working out share-distribution projects for about six major players in the Belarusian oil-refining industry. First, there are companies such as Polimir, Naftan and the 2nd Heat and Power Plant, all of which are situated in northern Belarus. Then there is a Belshina tyre-factory in Bobruisk; Azot in Grodno, they are the biggest producers of caprolactam and mineral fertilizers; and similar plants in Mogilev and Svetlogorsk, which go by the name of Khimvolokno. The two major oil processing plants are in Navapolacak and in Rechitsa. These are relatively modern giants that are currently operating below their full capability because of the drop of oil supplies. Other few names related to this industry are Slavneft (Oil & Gas); Rechitsa Oil Processing plant and Babrujsk Hydrolisys Factory. Navapolacak oil processing plant “Naftan” is the biggest oil processing plant in Europe. Lukoil plans to be a biggest shareholder in Naftan.
 

The National Bank has the exclusive right to issue paper money, regulate settlements procedures and manage national reserves.
The National Bank bears full responsibility for the development and implementation of exchange rate policies. These include the setting of procedures for hard currency transactions and monitoring the activities of dealers on this market, including banks.
The National Bank has the right to provide guarantees for loans, including government guarantees for international loans.
The National Bank does not provide crediting to economic entities but to the only institution authorities who give loans to the central and local governments. Under the present law, the total amount of such loans may not exceed two percent of the GNP in that fiscal year.
Under the current legislation, crediting, cash collection and other financial services are provided to economic entities by commercial banks.
Banks receive the status of legal entity after their registration with the National Bank and operate on conditions specified by their licenses.
Banks operate independently, and any state interference in their activities is illegal. The procedures for attracting and use of funds, conducting banking transactions, as well as interest rates and commissions are set by the banks independently.
Banks must comply with the decrees issued by the National Bank and provide the statistics required by the National Bank regulations. In order to promote the stability of banks, the National Bank sets the minimum requirements to the size of the banks’ foundation capital, obligatory guidelines of their economic performance and procedures for ensuring current and deposit accounts.
The National Bank may conduct the refunding of banks as a means of regulating the amount of money in circulation. It may also provide credit aid to solvent banks directed at maintaining their liquidity.
In the event of a systematic violation of the National Bank regulations, loss-making or a situation that may threaten the interests of the bank’s creditors, the Bank is entitled to take every step necessary to amend the situation, which may ultimately include a bankruptcy action in court against the bank in question.
The Bank co-operates with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and has correspondence accounts in foreign banks.
The National Bank participates in the work of international organizations. With the government’s authorization, the Bank makes commitments and conducts operations required by Belarus’ membership status in these organizations.
The National Bank co-operates with foreign banking and financial control institutions. The law enables it to be a member of international banking funds, unions and association. 

Do you have a plastic bank card? Have you ever used any bank serves?
I am sure that your answer will be «yes».
But do you know how the bank system works? Not exactly?
I will try to tell you about it by the example of the National Bank of Belarus.
 

The National Bank of Belarus occupies the central position in the country’s banking system and is accountable to the Parliament. It has the right of legal initiative. The Head of the National Bank is appointed by the President. His deputies and members of the board are appointed by the Presidium of the Parliament.
The National Bank is an independent institution acting within the limits of the legislation and its Charter. The Charter is the subject to approval by the Parliament. The Bank forwards annual reports of its activities to the Parliament.
Institutions of the state my not intervene with the work of the National Bank. The National Bank has no responsibility for the government debt, nor is the government responsible for any liabilities of the National Bank, if otherwise not specified by the legislation.
The National Bank maintains the foundation capital, reserve, and other aspects which serve as collateral for its liabilities.
In cooperation with the government, the National Bank drafts and forwards to the Parliament the guidelines for financial and credit policies for the coming year and reports the implementation of such policies in the previous year.
The National Bank’s efforts are directed at the stability maintaining of the local currency and prices. Its main responsibilities are to develop monetary and credit politics, encourage the liquidity, solvency and stability of the financial system and provide support for government economic policies.
The National Bank regulates inflation chiefly by internationally accepted economic means, such as interest rates, minimal requirements for banking services and activity on the open financial market.
The National Bank acts as a creditor, economic advisor and representative of the government on the financial market. The Bank represents the Republic of Belarus in all international and other organizations in issues of monetary and credit policies and licensing of banking activities.
The National Bank offers banking services to foreign governments, banks and financial institutions. Acting as the representative of Belarus in international organizations, it makes commitments and conducts operations required by the country’s membership status in such organizations. 
Functions of the National Bank:
- monetary, credit and hard currency regulations; monitoring of foreign trade and loan market;
- consulting, crediting and financial representation of the government and local institutions of power, execution of the central and local budgets;
- acting as a central depository;
- registration of banks, their branches and representative offices, monitoring their stability and liquidity operation of the inter-bank settlements system;
- issuing of licenses to financial companies to operate on the financial and hard currency markets;
- maintaining uniform accounting and reporting standards, setting rules and procedures for clearance settlements in the national economy.
 

I’d like to end this topic with the description of my own experience. This summer I had an opportunity to test in practice the level of our service in towns that were spoken about. I spend a week in Nesvizh and only few days in Mir. And I’d like to say that the difference between these two places is striking. Mir is a modern town with new first-class hotel, cafés and restaurant. You can find a guide easily if you want to see the castle. Also you will be offered different books, brochures and CDs with the film about Mir.

And as for Nesvizh, there you will remember Soviet times: old department stores, canteens and a hotel that obtained its first class 20 years ago. It was romantic appeal for me, like if I arrived there by time machine, but I don’t think that foreign tourist will like it too. And I hope that the situation will change to the year 2007 when the reconstruction of the castle is finished.

And now I’d like to draw your attention to some photos…

THE PALACE AND CASTLE ENSEMBLE was founded by Radziville-Sirotka in 1583. Its architect is Jan Maria Bernardoni.

FARNY (JESUITICAL) POLISH ROMAN-CATHOLIC CHURCH

FARNY (JESUITICAL) POLISH ROMAN-CATHOLIC CHURCH was built between 1584 -1593 by Italian architect J.M.Bernardoni in the early Baroque style. It was the first Jesuitical church on the territory of the former Rzecz Pospolita.

(more…)

«UNESCO has a long elaborated concept that
natural and cultural heritage should be not only protected
but also taken advantage of it»

Vladimir Schastny, Chairman of the National UNESCO Committee

I’d like to answer to the first yesterday’s question. So, the castles in Mir and Nesvizh were included in the World Heritage List. This is a special list of sights all over the world that are of great importance and have need for protection. Now, Belarusian castles stand alongside the Great Wall of China, the Roman Coliseum and the Giza Pyramids.

Many specialists admit that they worried greatly while awaiting this verdict. To earn its place on the list, the site should have obvious world significance.

I believe that this decision will have far-reaching consequences in the sphere of international tourism. Undoubtedly, it is a great honor for the country and a huge responsibility not only for Belarus, but for the whole world.

<:3 )~~
I was in Mir and Nesvizh this summer, but that is another story altogether
To be continued…

Nowadays international business originates international competition, and none of the countries in the world can remain aside. The process of globalization impacts on social and economic development. But globalization stimulates inverse process: development of national cultures and growing interest in international tourism…

I’d like to return to my project, which I presented during the 3^rd Annual Student Conference «International Business: Challenges for Belarus». I set out the problems in the sphere of international tourism, providing judges with some statistics. My audience felt bored, but some facts made them cheer up. A very interesting piece of news made an impression on them:

«…Belarus has an opportunity to develop the tourist industry. Last year a World Heritage Committee session, held in Durban (South Africa) approved the addition of the Architectural Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh into the World Heritage List. The castle in Mir was also included in this list.

The conference of World Heritage status brings responsibilities and great opportunities; it should spur to greater efforts to maintain and restore these fine sites and promote them globally…»

<:3 )~~

Why is this fact so significant for our country? And how will the Belarusian castles help us to improve the situation in the field of international tourism? You will know it only tomorrow…

Yesterday was a remarkable day for me. The 3^rd Annual Student Conference «International Business: Challenges for Belarus» took place at my university. I was glad to take part in it. Every year the Chair of Business English invites respected and influential representatives of different enterprises or political entities from English-speaking countries. This year His Excellency ambassador from Great Britain honored us with his presence. During the opening ceremony students had an opportunity to listen a professor from the USA. He read a very interesting lecture. After that all the students presented their projects.

My project was devoted to international tourism. It’s a very important sphere of international business for my country. The Republic of Belarus, located at the crossroad of trans–European transport and communication corridors «West–East» and «North–South», has an exclusively rich natural, historical and cultural potential favorable for international tourism. But there are some problems in this field. I gave my own view on these issues and won third place!!! I was very glad to hear my name among winners.

<:3 )~~

Victors need never explain???