Belarus rushes to be part of Chinese trade initiative

Significance

Belarus is creating a new role and identity for itself by hosting a large industrial park, a joint project with China and a key component of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The park is intended to give China a manufacturing and logistical base close to a major rail route into the EU, and boost Belarus's moribund economy.

Impacts

• The Minsk government's role in BRI will alter and enhance its image in Europe.
• The park operates by its own rules but some hope an innovative and unbureaucratic culture will spread to the wider Belarusian economy.
• Chinese loans will be comparatively modest and Belarus will still borrow from Russia and Western states.
• Minsk will host a regional BRI forum in July.