Belarus: One way forward

The economic statistics may look promising and the industrial potential attractive, but foreign investors will steer clear of Belarus until the government starts keeping its promises on market reform and adopts a less authoritarian style. Philip Eade reports.

Credibility gap

At first glance, Belarus, once the most prosperous region in the former Soviet Union, appears to be in better shape than ever.

The dual carriageway from the airport into the capital Minsk is flanked by new construction. The facades in the city centre (entirely rebuilt after World War II with the help of German prisoners of war) show signs of a recent coat of paint and the streets are brightly lit, despite supposed power shortages.