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Significance
Belarus is creating a new role and identity for itself by hosting a large industrial park, a joint project with China and a key component of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The park is intended to give China a manufacturing and logistical base close to a major rail route into the EU, and boost Belarus's moribund economy.
Impacts
The Minsk government's role in BRI will alter and enhance its image in Europe.
The park operates by its own rules but some hope an innovative and unbureaucratic culture will spread to the wider Belarusian economy.
Chinese loans will be comparatively modest and Belarus will still borrow from Russia and Western states.
Minsk will host a regional BRI forum in July.
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2019
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