OREANDA-NEWS. December 06, 2013. EBRD experts will focus on international best practises and how Belarus companies need to adopt them in order to be competitive in the EU during an annual forum opening in Minsk tomorrow that will bring together over 120 local building materials producers.

Two international experts with over 30 years’ experience have been invited to address the Forum by the EBRD. They will present international best practices, focusing on what policies are effective in a globalised market and the quality standards that are expected in EU markets, as well as the use of computerised manufacturing systems in the sector.

The building materials industry is Belarus draws on a skilled workforce and plays an important role in the economy.

But for Belarusian firms to be effective in foreign markets, particularly the European Union, they need to be very competitive. Showing international best practices for this sector is one way to help Belarusian firms learn to operate more effectively.

In addition to financing, the EBRD also provides support for small and medium-sized businesses in Belarus by helping them access external advice.

Ranging from strategy to organisation, marketing, ICT, engineering or HR, these donor-funded programmes connect businesses to the expertise of local consultants and international advisers on a cost-sharing basis.

“The Building Materials Forum provides an excellent opportunity for this important sector to share best practices,” commented Francis Delaey, EBRD Head of Office in Belarus. “This can help firms become more effective and appealing to investors.”

Mr Delaey will make a presentation on the work of the EBRD in Belarus and opportunities for closer collaboration.

To date in Belarus the EBRD has undertaken almost 100 advisory projects for small and medium-sized businesses, thanks to donor funding from the European Union, Italy, Japan, Sweden, the UK and others.

The EBRD is an important source of foreign investment in the Belarus economy and has to date invested EUR 1.3 billion in 61 projects.