Distinguished participants and guests of the Investment Forum of the Republic of Belarus,

I am sincerely glad that we have managed to gather such an authoritative business audience for this event. We consider your participation in the forum as proof of the growing interest on the part of international business in the Republic of Belarus, which we will encourage in every way possible.

An advantageous geographic position, stable internal situation, high human potential, economic growth and an increasingly enabling investment environment are but a few traits characteristic of today's Belarus.

The laws of our State guarantee the safety of investments, free disposal profits gained and favourable conditions for investors.

All areas of the Belarusian economy are open for investments. The energy, transport, tourist infrastructure, creation of new science-intensive factories in the manufacturing industry and agriculture are our all-time priorities and profitable investment areas.

I am convinced that the forum will become the starting point for a whole range of serious projects profitable for investors and aimed at further development of the economy of Belarus and improvement of the wellbeing of its citizens.

I wish you fruitful, constructive and substantive work.

Alexander Lukashenko