Additional materials
“Because I decided so”
The comment above is taken from the essay in the book “Because we decided so: decoding Belarus’s behavioural economy”/K.V. Rudy [et al]; edited by K.V. Rudy; Minsk, Zviazda, 2017.
Secondary education in Belarus
The survey aimed to investigate the condition of secondary education in Belarus. It targeted respondents of 18-21 years old who had finished or continue their secondary education.
Towards the “Minsk Consensus”: Some personal reflections
This note is an attempt by a (co-)creator to explain what the “Minsk Consensus” is (or might be), and how it may be of broader use. It is intended as an instrument for further reflection and discussion at the Kastryčnicki Economic Forum.
Reforms in Belarus after the cancelled IMF program: Totem and taboo
Why Belarusian authorities appeared to be so reluctant to even modest structural change expected by the Fund? Have they abandoned idea of reforms, or have they chosen to follow the reform path, but one of their own?
A few remarks on the Decree #3
What was the purpose of the Decree #3 that involved the government machinery at all levels into solution of the problem that have not existed before its adoption?
KEF-2016 "Reforms for Inclusive Growth": Key Findings and Recommendations
The material was prepared by Alexander Chubrik based on the speeches of "Reforms for Inclusive Growth" conference that took place in Minsk on November, 3-4 2016 within Kastryčnicki Ekanamičny Forum.
Belarus and the Advice of IFIs
Speech of Mark Allen at the conference KEF-2016 ”Reforms for Inclusive Growth”, November 3–4, 2016.
Effect of Certain Social Policy Measures on Welfare of Socially Vulnerable Groups
This work assesses the effects of potential social policy reforms, the need for which is due to negative demographic and economic trends, on the welfare of socially vulnerable groups and the population of Belarus as a whole. Based on a sample survey of households in 2007-2012, the study models possible changes in the disposable resources of the population as the result of parametric reforms in the pension system (raising the retirement age and switching to the indexation of pensions for inflation), raising housing and utility services rates, and eliminating privileges. According to the results obtained, the reforms under consideration would in most cases substantially worsen the financial condition of a number of socially vulnerable groups: single-parent families, retirees and one-member households.
Macroeconomic problems of Belarus: This time is different
In the last 7–8 years, some stereotypes have been formed when discussing the economic policy in Belarus. However, the situation seems to have been changed considerably.
Will Belarus fully benefit from the Eurasian Economic Union?
On January 1, 2015, the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia was officially launched. Built on the vague and short free-trade experience of the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan (only in operation since July 2011), the future of the EEU is by no means assured. In particular, the EEU seems to lack two key preconditions of economic integration, namely economic policy convergence and institutional support. Current trends in trade, labor, and capital flows between Belarus and other EEU countries leads us to conclude that the potential benefits for Belarus from EEU membership do not trigger economic growth, but rather sustain structural problems of Belarusian economy.