The Belarusian economy has been hit hard by Russia’s economic problems. Sergei Roumas, chairman of the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus, tells Andrew Wrobel how the bank's projects are largely not at risk from this downturn, and says the country still has much to offer.

Attracting investment to Belarus has been a priority in the country for a number of years. However, as the country's minister of economy, Nikolai Snopkov, told Courtney Fingar at an investment forum in London, the country can and will do better when it comes to FDI.

Belarus's Hi-Tech Park is attracting a growing number of domestic and international software and IT companies, thanks to economic incentives and a highly skilled workforce.

The Belarusian president's economic advisor, Kiryl Rudy; the minister of the economy, Nikolai Snopkov; and deputy foreign minister Aleksandr E Guryanov explain to Andrew Wrobel the advantages foreign companies will gain from investing in Belarus.

Long established as a hub of manufacturing excellence among central and eastern European countries, Belarus is now targeting Western companies as it looks to demonstrate its openness and business credentials on a global scale.

In contrast to its international image, Belarus is making a steady ascent up business-friendliness rankings and rolling out the red carpet to potential investors.

The former Soviet republics that now make up the Commonwealth of Independent States have long been a fertile ground for German investors. This association is continuing to pay dividends, with German companies reaping the benefits of doing business in countries in which others in the West are more cautious about entering.

Though some Western companies have ventured into Belarus, the investment scene is dominated by businesses from Russia, a situation the government hopes to change. But investors will have to overlook political ugliness