The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plans to increase investments in Belarus in 2017.

EBRD country strategy through 2020 allows expanding the bank's interaction with the public in Minsk, Alexander Pivovarsky.

The key points will become work on pre-privatization investments to the banks and real sector companies, as well as cooperation in major infrastructure projects. “On the whole, the range of activity of the bank as part of the new strategy has expanded greatly. And we are ready to consider new areas, where the government is committed to carry out reforms ”, said Alexander Pivovarsky.

The new EBRD country strategy has the opportunity to invest in the transport sector.

At the moment there is a discussion of the project on modernization of the road M-10 (Russian border — Gomel — Kobrin) with a length of 85 km from Rechitsa to Kalinkovichi. Preliminary cost of the project is estimated at 212 million euros. This corridor, which crosses the territory of Belarus from west to east, is an alternative route between the EU and Belarus, Russia and China. According to the plans, the reconstruction will double the capacity of the upgraded site, increase the maximum permissible axle load up to 11.5 tons, reduce the time of travel and will make it more comfortable. It is expected that this will be the first concession project in the country, implemented in the format of public-private partnership. The government expects that the concessionaire will undertake the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the reconstructed road section. In return, the investor will be offered payment during the operational phase of the upgraded site. The tender to find the concessionaire will be held in the first half of 2017.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development may provide financial assistance to Belarus in the reconstruction of the M10 motorway in the framework of the infrastructure projects preparation Foundation. In addition, EBRD is considering a self-funded project. According to bank employees, the total investment on their part may be about 100 million US dollars.

In addition, EBRD has interests in railway and air transport. “We are ready to discuss [with the Belarusian Railways] joint projects; if there will be a commercial component. The railway must carry out its core business, but, for example, catering and other support services should be transferred to private companies. In a number of neighboring countries, such projects with the railway have already been implemented. Somewhere there are even private carriers ”,  said Alexander Pivovarsky.

Source: ej.by