Belarusians earn less than Georgians, Uzbeks and Ukrainians (table)

Belarus used to occupy the third position in the CIS rating following Russia and Kazakhstan. According to the official information, the average wage was 530 dollars in December 2010. However, the situation has changed this month. If we recalculate April wages according to the current dollar rate established by the National Bank, our average wage will total 317 dollars. Belarus has gone down to the 7th position in the CIS rating. Inhabitants of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia (former CIS member state) and Ukraine earn more than Belarusians now.

The average wage in the CIS member states and Georgia as of May 1, 2011 according to the exchange rate of May 30, 2011 (the latest available index is used for the countries lacking information for this period)

It is impossible to predict whether Belarus’ rating will increase in the near future or not, thinks economist Leanid Zlotnikau. According to him, if the authorities start building an effective market economy, they will attract foreign investors and credits.

Leanid Zlotnikau: "A lot will depend on the further economic policy. If the current policy persists, nothing will improve”.

Leanid Zlotnikau thinks that Belarusians will not be able to reach the purchasing capacity of 3 or 4 months ago quickly.

Leanid Zlotnikau: "It will take a lot of time! Broadly speaking, the living standard may decrease by 25-30% in the next few years in comparison with what we had a year ago”.

It may become worse if worst comes to worst, thinks the economist.