Belarus – A Country from The Past :: Charter'97 :: News

In all CIS countries Belarus enjoys the smallest economic freedom, as mentioned in the report “2003 Index of Economic Freedom”, published by the newspaper The Wall Street Journal and foundation “Heritage Foundation”. The report considers such factors as the monetary and trade policy, taxation, state influence, bank system, salary payment structure and right for ownership in 161 countries. Belarus occupies the 151st spot. Its economic system is regarded as “repressive”. Pundits view Belarus as a country, which turned to the past.

The majority of CIS member-states are listed in the last third of the index. Armenia holds the leading place among all CIS states (44th) and is ranked as “mostly free” country. International economic experts especially value the freedom of import into the country. Import quotas in Armenia usually amount to 1,8%, there are no quotas or licenses on many types of the goods. As compared with the year 2001 Armenia has its taxation reduced, while the highest income tax constitutes 20%.