t exports and
remittances from Bangladeshis working overseas, mainly in the Middle
East and East Asia, fuel economic growth.

Barbados
Historically, the Barbadian economy was dependent on
sugarcane cultivation and related activities. However, production in
recent years has diversified into light industry and tourism, with
about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports being attributed to
services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases in
construction projects and tourism revenues - reflecting its success
in the higher-end segment. The country enjoys one of the highest per
capita incomes in the region and an investment grade rating which
benefits from its political stability and stable institutions.
Offshore finance and information services are important foreign
exchange earners and thrive from having the same time zone as
eastern US financial centers and a relatively highly educated
workforce. The government continues its efforts to reduce
unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to
privatize remaining state-owned enterprises.

Belarus
Belarus has seen little structural reform since 1995, when
President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market
socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed
administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and
expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private
enterprises. Since 2005, the government has re-nationalized a number
of private companies. In addition, businesses have been subject to
pressure by central and local governments, e.g., arbitrary changes
in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive
application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive"
businessmen and factory owners. A wide range of redistributive
policies has helped those at the bottom of the ladder; the Gini
coefficient is among the lowest in the world. Because of these
restrictive economic policies, Belarus has had trouble attracting
foreign investment. Nevertheless, GDP growth has been strong in
recent years, reaching nearly 7% in 2007, despite the roadblocks of
a tough, centrally directed economy with a high, but decreasing,
rate of inflation. Belarus receives heavily discounted oil and
natural gas from Russia and much of Belarus' growth can be
attributed to the re-export of Russian oil at market prices. Trade