Belarus: Recent Economic Developments
IMF Staff Country Reports, October 28, 1998
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- Canonical URL
- Belarus: Recent Economic Developments
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Bibliographic details
- Published: October 28, 1998
- Series: IMF Staff Country Reports
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451805031.002
Overview
- Reviews economic developments in the Republic of Belarus during 1996–98.
- Since 1996, authorities sought to revive economic activity and raise living standards through:
- the rapid expansion of credit, and
- policies aimed at accelerating export growth, particularly to Russia.
Key findings and indicators
- Officially measured economic growth:
- close to 3 percent in 1996,
- 10½ percent in 1997,
- 12 percent during the first quarter of 1998 (year over year).
- The report spans 1996–98 and emphasizes the macroeconomic effects of credit expansion and export-promotion policies.
Policy measures and implications
- Policy actions taken by Belarusian authorities (1996 onward):
- rapid expansion of credit,
- targeted measures to accelerate exports (notably toward Russia).
- Implicit policy implications:
- credit-fueled growth contributed to a marked acceleration in officially measured GDP growth between 1996 and Q1 1998.
- export orientation toward Russia was a central element of growth strategy.
Thematic coverage (subjects and keywords)
- Subject areas: Banking, Commercial banks, Credit, Directed credit, Expenditure, Exports, Financial institutions, International trade, Money.
- Keywords include: Baltics, Belarussian authority, capital investment, Commercial banks, CR, Credit, Directed credit, exchange rate, Exports, first quarter, foreign exchange, fund staff estimate, ISCR, minimum wage, State budget, trade balance, U.S. dollar.
International Monetary Fund. "Belarus: Recent Economic Developments", October 28, 1998.
Content in this bundle
- Republic of Belarus: Recent Economic Developments - ISCR/98/108