History of the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship

Minsk Capital Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers, regional business associations of Brest, Vitebsk, Grodno, Mogilev, Republican union "Sadruzhnasts", regional Centers of Entrepreneurship Support and a number of foundations and associations, as well as other organizations signed a constituent memorandum of non-profit organization, Association of Legal Entities "Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship" on August 2, 2007. Solemn ceremony of signing the Memorandum of Association was held in the conference hall of the new hotel "Victoria". During the Inaugural Conference Governing Bodies and the Audit Commission were elected.

Since its founding Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship became the largest business association in Belarus. It was established under the project of the International Finance Corporation in Belarus and with the approving support of the European Confederation of Associations of Small and Medium Enterprises CEA-PME (Brussels) and the Center for International Private Enterprise at the US Chamber of Commerce (CIPE). On October 25 Minsk Capital Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers together with the regional business associations of Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev, as well as the bussines support centers of Minsk, Vitebsk, Bobruisk, Borisov, and a number of sectoral business associations conducted seminar "Protection of rights and representation of entrepreneurs". The seminar was attended by colleagues from Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, the United States and other countries. Colleagues from the regional business associations, and representatives of business community of Molodechno, Krichev, Zhlobin, Mozyr supported the idea of PA "Minsk Capital Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers" to establish the Belarus National Business Platform as a document defining the prospects for business development in Belarus.

It was Belarus National Business Platform that became the framework for the establishment of Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship. Issues on the development and promotion of the Platform were discussed at the meetings in Minsk, which gathered representatives of the Belarusian business community from all over the country:

- Conference "20 years of business in Belarus: from cooperatives to the National Platform" on 27 March 2006,

- Conference "On the prospects and conditions for business development of Belarus 2010" on September 28, 2006,

- Roundtable "Business in Belarus in the context of the new economic policy" on May 14, 2007.

Seminars for entrepreneurs, founders and managers of private enterprises were held in 24 cities of Belarus. Constructive ideas and suggestions introduced by participants at these seminars and aimed at improving the business climate in Belarus were taken into account during the work on the platform and in the process of formation of the Confederation.

On behalf of the Belarusian business community the Platform was unveiled at the professional contest "Brand of the Year 2006" and awarded the Diploma of the winner and the Gold Star in the nomination "Socially Responsible brand". Currently, more than 40 provisions out of 76 introduced in the Platform were used in the preparation of government documents. The platform gave impetus to the reformation of the administrative system of the Republic. The government supported the idea to improve administrative procedures outlined in the Platform. It formed a Working group led by Vice-Premier of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov and invited for collaboration business associations of the country. PA Minsk Capital Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers consolidated the work of leading business associations in this area and together with colleagues from regional business associations sent to the Working group a set of constructive proposals to the various ministries and departments. Only PA "MCAEE" became the author of 134 proposals to simplify and reduce administrative procedures.

The initiators of the Confederation do much work on forming a broad business network, filling it with real projects. At their initiative system of subcontracting is developed. They also work in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Southern Sweden and the Federation of Private Enterprises of Sweden to form an automated information-analytical system. Effective exchange, analysis and distribution of information contribute to the growth of economic indicators of the enterprises, members of the business network, improve their financial results. Expanding the information space, we create a permanent platform for discussion on vital issues and needs of business and bring information promptly to the decision makers.

As a result of concerted action, new traditions appeared in the business life of the Republic. Two international banking conferences were conducted; International Economic Forum was hosted in Lida. We develop a creative communication with the scientific community. We signed a contract with Belarus State Economic University on conducting scientific research "Development of a method of comparative analysis of small and medium businesses in the regions of Belarus." Members of the Confederation held 18 intercom conferences.

Aims and subjects of the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship clearly stated in the Charter of the Organization. Confederation members intend to make real positive changes in the business climate of the Republic through joint efforts.