AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit (Belarus angle): Leaders wrapped up the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi with an open session on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” after adopting the New Delhi Declaration that flags risks from unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures and calls for WTO dispute-settlement restoration. Belarus was listed among partner countries attending, and India’s FM S. Jaishankar also met Belarus counterpart Maxim Ryzhenkov to discuss trade, investment, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people links. Local currency push: BRICS officials reiterated support for settling bilateral trade in national currencies to cut transaction costs, while also saying there’s no plan for a single BRICS currency. Nuclear safety language: The declaration includes concern about attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, stressing nuclear safety in armed conflicts. Belarus business abroad: A Belarus-linked medical investment story from Poland highlights Dr.Kasko Clinic Nr 1 in Warsaw, where the Kasko family’s clinic generated about €360k revenue in under three months after launch. Culture & media: Belarusian filmmaker Andrei Kutsila’s documentary “Letters from the Silenced Country” won a Golden Globes Impact Prize for documentary at Venice, spotlighting state violence and political repression through personal letters.

Belarus-India Diplomacy: Belarus FM Maxim Ryzhenkov arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and held talks with India’s EAM S. Jaishankar, reviewing trade, investment, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people ties, with both sides also discussing regional developments. Belarus-Azerbaijan Agri Deal: Belarus and Azerbaijan plan to start in 2027 the joint construction of an agricultural agrotown in Karabakh, plus a 2027 joint elevator production venture in Aghdam involving Belarusian company Vertus. BRICS Trade Rules: BRICS called for restoring a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute settlement mechanism and warned against unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that disrupt supply chains. BRICS Declaration on War & Culture: BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration, condemning unilateral aggression without naming countries, and also pushed for protection and repatriation of cultural heritage. Payments & De-dollarisation Talk: BRICS Pay says it wants to connect national payment infrastructures across borders (with MOUs already signed including Belarus) and insists it’s not meant to replace the US dollar. Belarus Finance Watch: Belarus’ Finance Ministry raised gold purchase prices for individuals, signaling continued attention to precious metals amid currency and market uncertainty.

Belarus–India diplomacy at BRICS: India’s EAM S Jaishankar met Belarus FM Maxim Ryzhenkov in New Delhi, focusing on boosting trade and investments, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people ties ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. BRICS summit backdrop: The two-day BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Delhi opens amid the US-Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with leaders pushing “resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability” while energy security and trade disruptions dominate the agenda. Local-currency and payments push: BRICS Business Forum remarks from Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian urged a resilient trade network and wider use of national currencies, arguing economic security is tied to regional stability. India–UAE investment and corridors: Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed trade corridors and energy security, including an announced $11.5bn integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. Declaration talks under strain: Reuters reports the joint declaration draft is set to oppose unilateral war, but consensus is complicated by Iran–UAE differences.

Belarus Precious Metals: Belarus’ Finance Ministry raised the buy-in prices for gold, platinum and silver from Sept. 15, with 375-fineness gold up to 151.87 rubles per gram and other finenesses also climbing. BRICS Business Push: At the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian urged wider use of national currencies and called on the New Development Bank to back infrastructure via local-currency lending and guarantees; Russia’s Putin pitched an NDB-based investment platform for trade, logistics and technology. Payments Agenda: India’s Piyush Goyal urged BRICS members to link payment systems and expand local-currency trade, pointing to UPI’s scale. EAEU-India Trade Links: The EAEU says it sees room to boost trade with India and improve transport corridor connectivity. VTB Lending for Retail: VTB will join a preferential lending program for Wildberries sellers hit by warehouse attacks, offering up to 500m rubles per borrower for up to 18 months. Belarus Privatization Line: Lukashenka reiterated there will be no mass privatization, warning against “symbolic” farm buyouts that ignore debts and real assets. Minsk Mobility/Travel: Belavia and Maldives partners discussed direct Belarus–Maldives flights planned for December 2026. Local Economy Oddity: In Bykhaw, a concrete driveway tied to a debt-laden enterprise is up for auction with a Sept. 29 sale date.

Belarus-EU Business & Finance: Belarus’ Council of Ministers expanded the Minsk Free Economic Zone by 36.75 hectares, adding four plots, a move that could widen incentives for investors and exporters. Belarus Currency & Metals: The Belarus Finance Ministry raised the gold purchase prices for individuals, effective Sept. 15, signaling tighter margins for buyers and higher returns for sellers. Sanctions & Enforcement in Europe: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas floated shifting sanctions-circumvention cases to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), aiming to speed up action against firms and people trading in sensitive goods tied to Russia and Belarus. BRICS as a trade platform (Belarus angle): As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, Belarus is listed among BRICS partner countries; the agenda centers on resilience, food and energy security, and supply-chain cooperation, while leaders including UN chief Antonio Guterres and Russia’s Vladimir Putin arrive amid heightened geopolitical and trade tensions.

Belarus Economy & Policy: Lukashenko said the country has “turned into a casino,” criticizing officials for letting gambling ads flood the market, including online promotion. Energy & Utilities: Minskenergo warned residents that CHP-4 will be noisier during start-up operations on main equipment from Sept 9–11 as the heating season is prepared. Business & Investment: Belarusian holding Amkodor has dropped plans to build a plant in Russia’s Gatchina, switching instead to a service center for repairing Belarusian equipment there. Education & Skills: Belarus approved the Academy of Intellectual Technologies, set to train specialists from Sept 1, 2027, with admission via a republican competition and project-based selection. Sports & Governance: Dinamo-Minsk named Dmitry Baskov chairman of its supervisory board after his IIHF disqualification ended. Regional Trade & Finance: India is pushing BRICS as a Global South development platform ahead of the Sept 12–13 summit, with food, energy and supply-chain security on the agenda; Putin is set to visit India Sept 11–13 for BRICS and business talks. Legal/Disputes: Belarus-born investor Mikalai Vinitski filed an ICSID claim against Armenia, arguing unlawful expropriation tied to enterprises linked to Gagik Tsarukyan.

BRICS Summit Security: New Delhi has ramped up security for the Sept 12-13 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, deploying about 25,000 personnel and tightening hotel and route checks around Bharat Mandapam. Belarus in BRICS orbit: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is listed among expected attendees, while Belarus remains a BRICS partner country in the expanded 11-member bloc. Diplomacy debate: India’s Congress and BJP traded barbs over whether BRICS brings “tangible benefits,” with Congress urging a stronger focus on AI guardrails to avoid a widening digital divide. Belarus finance update: Belarusbank and Belagroprombank started selling dollar-denominated bearer government bonds (2-year maturity) with 2.7% annual yield, after earlier auction misses on similar issues. EAEU business links: An EAEU project pipeline is set to generate tax revenue for Kazakhstan, including Belarus-linked participation in construction and industrial upgrades. Minsk scam warning: A Minsk resident lost 44,000 rubles after a fake “Belpochta” SMS code scam escalated into loan-taking under a staged police video call. China-Belarus trade: The Belarus Exhibition of Chinese Goods and Services opened in Minsk, featuring 120+ firms and a 10,000 sq m showcase.

Belarus–Iran trade in rubles: An Iranian chamber of commerce member says Iran can now trade with Russia and also with Belarus and Armenia using ruble settlements, noting transfers to EAEU partners are working and merchants accept the currency as long as exchange-rate gaps stay manageable. Housing demand met via “Kazakhstan Quarter” in Minsk: Minskbud says construction is starting on a new residential quarter in Minsk for people on the waiting list, with two high-rise buildings planned (680+ apartments) plus a multi-level parking garage. Fraud crackdown in furniture market: Minsk investigators detained the director of “Cherry Kitchens” after customers paid in advance but never received orders; authorities say the firm used new clients’ money to cover debts, with damage now exceeding 1 million rubles. BRICS momentum for Global South trade: As the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13) approaches, coverage highlights the agenda on resilience in food, energy, health and supply chains, plus outreach to regional blocs to widen trade and investment links. Belarusian oil profits on Russia’s refining squeeze: Belarusian refineries reportedly hit decade-high profitability in 2026 as Russia’s refining crisis boosted gasoline and diesel flows across the border.

Banking Disruption Watch: Belarus’ Banking Processing Center says scheduled tech works on Sept 11 (00:00–06:30) may temporarily disrupt card operations, cash points, ATMs and even some trade-service networks for clients of major banks including Belarusbank and VTB. Anti-Corruption in Utilities: The State Control Committee reports kickbacks in water utilities in Brest, Homiel and Minsk regions, with four criminal cases opened; bribes allegedly averaged ~2% of contract costs under “Clean Water” and “Comfortable Housing.” Political Prisoner Update: Former presidential candidate Viktor Babaryka says he understands his son Eduard is a hostage, noting that no “conditions” have ever been set for his release. BRICS in Focus: India prepares for the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sept 12–13; Russia’s Putin is set to meet Modi on Sept 11, while Belarus is listed among BRICS partner countries. Regional Security Signals: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is trying to draw Belarus into the war, but Minsk is still held back by internal risks and limited capabilities. Belarus Economy Detail: Currency supply in Belarus exceeded demand by $400m in August, according to coverage. Everyday Prices: Mushroom season is pushing up market costs in Minsk, with chanterelles and porcini reported at high BYN-per-kilo levels.

Belarus FX Watch: The National Bank says currency supply in Belarus outpaced demand by about $400m in August, with the surplus reaching nearly $1.7bn in Jan–Aug—while households and non-residents were net sellers/buyers in different directions, shaping market turnover. Banking Disruptions: Belarus’s Banking Processing Center warns that from 00:00–06:30 on Sept 11 some card payments and ATM/self-service operations may briefly fail for customers of 12 banks, due to scheduled network work. Fraud Prevention: Belarusian banks report blocking 5.3m roubles in attempted theft in Jan–Aug, 2.1x more than a year earlier, with most cases tied to social engineering. Industry & Investment: Lukashenka met Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin in Minsk, discussing closer cooperation and education projects; the meeting also highlighted BELAZ–Norilsk Nickel plans for a new generation of underground mining equipment. Trade & Regional Ties: Armenia has appealed to the EAEU over Russia’s import restrictions on Armenian goods, arguing they breach union rules—another sign of strain inside the bloc. Cross-border Labor: Belarus job listings for foreign workers reportedly jumped sharply in two months, reaching 14,720 offers by Sept 8. Tech & Mobility Policy: Belarus is starting work on legalizing driverless transport, with autonomous tram testing and a regulatory rollout aimed at 2028–2030. Food Prices in Minsk: Mushroom season is pushing up market prices, with chanterelles and porcini reportedly selling at steep per-kilo rates at Komarovsky Market.

BRICS Diplomacy: India is set to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept 12–13 in New Delhi, with PM Modi at the helm and Putin and Xi expected to attend, as the bloc pushes its agenda around resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Belarus-Turkey Nuclear Business: Astravets-based BelAtomService signed a contract to support commissioning for the first two units of Russia’s Rosatom-built Akkuyu nuclear plant in Turkey, with Belarusian specialists chosen because the equipment is similar to Astravets. Minsk Transport Payments: Minsk ground transport will let riders pay by bank card from any bank, with a transition period and a “unified” approach similar to the metro. Belarus Industrial Deal: Nornickel and BELAZ agreed to create a joint venture to develop next-generation underground mining equipment and set up a repair and maintenance hub. Charity Oversight: Lukashenka signed a decree to tighten control of healthcare-related charitable foundations, aiming for more transparency and stricter rules on how donated funds are used. Regional Trade Pressure: Latvia is moving to restrict Russian and Belarusian grain flows, with plans for a 300% tariff, while also banning books and printed goods from both countries.

Lithuania–EU Space Fraud: Lithuania expelled 22 Belarusian tech workers tied to an EU Agency for Space Programme project after finding nearly €500k was fraudulently obtained; the group faces a five-year Schengen ban. Latvia–Information War: Latvia banned imports of Russian and Belarusian books, newspapers and other printed materials from Sept 1, citing disinformation and war propaganda, and said the move also aims to cut economic ties. Regional Transport Curbs: Latvia is proposing a 300% tariff on Russian and Belarusian grain and also wants to end all passenger bus transport to Belarus and Russia from 2027. Belarus–Healthcare Oversight: Lukashenka signed a decree tightening control over healthcare-related charitable foundations, doubling minimum assets and limiting how donations can be used. Belarus–Sports & Trade Links: BRICS Sailing Championship 2026 wrapped up on the Minsk Sea with 12 races over three days, highlighting growing sports ties among Belarus, India, Russia and Kyrgyzstan. Belarus–Consumer Rights: A lawyer says stores must keep customer access for the full stated opening time; staff can only warn shortly before closing. Markets: Dollar, euro and yuan fell on the Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange (BCSE).

Lithuania Crackdown on Belarus Tech Fraud: Lithuania’s State Security Department says 22 Belarusians tied to Vilnius IT firm NTLAB were expelled and banned from Schengen for five years after being deemed a threat to national security; the case centers on alleged EU subsidy fraud of nearly €0.5m and hidden links to Russian and Belarusian military industry. Minsk Housing Push: Minsk officials outline a long-term plan to build the Zialiony Bor “Green Forest” district outside the ring road—over 4m sq.m of housing for people in need, plus rental units—aimed at meeting social housing obligations over the next decade. Belarus–Iraq Business Talks: Belarusian ambassador Anatoly Glaz met Iraqi officials in Baghdad on restoring economic cooperation, including restarting the Joint Belarusian-Iraqi Commission, advancing draft agreements, and discussing Belarusian pharma supplies and electricity-system modernization. Belarus–Cuba Trade Agenda: Belarus and Cuba discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation and Belarus inviting Cuban business to “INNOPROM. Belarus” in Minsk (Sept 30–Oct 2). UN Human Rights Council Calendar: The 63rd UNHRC session opens in Geneva, with a dedicated discussion on Belarus on Sept 18 and further dialogues covering Russia, Iran, Ukraine, and other crises. Local Economy Watch: Minsk’s Komarovka market sees the start of mushroom season, with porcini reportedly at 50–100 rubles per kg and chanterelles at 10–15 rubles per kg.

Diplomatic Calendar: Belarus Deputy Foreign Ministers Pavel Utyupin and Evgeny Shestakov met counterparts from Kazakhstan and Mexico, focusing on expanding political, trade and economic cooperation and updating bilateral legal frameworks. Security & Risk: Germany is planning a broad package to counter Russian sabotage and cyberattacks, including rapid deployment of special units across major cities and stronger drone protection for critical infrastructure and airports. Minsk Housing Push: Minsk officials say the city will keep building, including a new Zialiony Bor district outside the ring road with large-scale housing for social needs and rental options, while also tackling “ocean of cars” problems in courtyards. Urban Mobility: Authorities plan to move cars out of residential courtyards into guarded parking and paid zones, with tighter rules for commercial vehicles. Human Rights Watch: Viasna reports 889 political prisoners at end of August, with at least 185 in vulnerable conditions, as the UN Human Rights Council prepares to discuss Belarus in mid-September. Legal/Business Angle: Belarusian reserves again exceed $15bn, while separate reports note Belarus has exhausted its annual electric-vehicle duty-free import quota. Local Economy & Prices: Mushroom season is underway in Minsk; porcini are selling at about 50–100 BYN per kg, with chanterelles cheaper.

Electric Vehicles: Belarus has exhausted its 2026 quota for duty-free EV imports, so new EVs now face a 15% customs duty; VAT relief still applies for EVs up to five years old, pushing buyers toward the domestic market. Urban Development: Minsk plans to build a new residential district, Zyalyony Bor (Partizansky district), with 4+ million sq m of housing over 10–12 years, including social and rental units. City Traffic Rules: Minsk authorities say they’ll tackle the “ocean of cars” in courtyards by moving vehicles to guarded parking and tightening enforcement, including limits on commercial vehicles in residential areas. Tourism Infrastructure: Brest is considering restoring a historical bridge from Terespol Gate to Frontier Island to better connect the fortress route for visitors. Business & Finance: Belarus’ largest bank is rolling out a fraud crackdown that will cut off shared card access. Energy/Industry: Belarus’ oil and gas company says fuel imports from all countries continue, while the country also reports ongoing optimism in industry. Travel & Mobility: A cruise-liner worker from Belarus shares how she landed ship jobs quickly after visa and medical paperwork, highlighting growing labor opportunities tied to international tourism.

EV Import Rules: Belarus has exhausted its 2026 duty-free electric vehicle quota; from now on EVs face a 15% customs duty, while VAT relief still applies for cars up to five years old. Urban Mobility: Minsk plans to “free” residential courtyards from cars by moving vehicles to guarded parking and tightening enforcement, including limits on commercial vehicles in courtyards. Housing Build-Out: A new Minsk residential district, Zyalyony Bor, is planned beyond the Ring Road, with 4+ million sq m of housing over 10–12 years and a large share aimed at social housing and rentals. Tourism Infrastructure: Brest Fortress authorities are considering restoring a historical bridge to Frontier Island to better integrate it into main tourist routes. Business & Finance: Belarusian regulators banned DNS ELECTRONICS from selling 116 appliance items over missing conformity documents, ordering an unscheduled inspection. Cross-border Legal Cooperation: At the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, Belarus’s top judge took part in talks on mediation/arbitration and cross-border enforcement to support business disputes. Trade/Banking: VTB will provide banking support for Russia’s Sukhoi Log gold project, aiming to improve spending control and settlement transparency.