Belarusian Hi-Tech Park to venture into engineering

The Hi-Tech Park intends to explore design and engineering business opportunities in 2014, BelTA learned from HTP Administration Director Valery Tsepkalo on 11 March.

The executive said that the creation of software and hardware solutions as well as smart devices to measure pulse, body perspiration and many other parameters is a global trend these days. These devices are integrated with relevant software. The software is developed not only for desktop computers or tablet computers although the market for applications is still very hot but for smart devices. “We have prepared the relevant addenda regarding the operation of the Hi-Tech Park. The draft presidential decree has been approved,” said the HTP Administration Director. “The HTP will not produce the devices but technical documents to make them. The Hi-Tech Park will keep results of the process”.

In 2014 the HTP Administration intends to start selling products online. In the HTP restrictions are now in place with regard to taking money outside of contracts. “We plan to allow resident companies to offer their products via an online marketplace with the approval of the HTP Administration in order to sell the products without having to sign contracts with buyers,” explained Valery Tsepkalo.

The HTP Administration Director informed mass media about the Park’s participation in developing the project for the International Financial Center in Minsk. “International finances are primarily information technologies, the integration of IT companies and banking structures. It is impossible to create an international financial center without taking into account these factors and trends in the development of global finance,” he stressed. The HTP representative believes that the competence acquired by HTP resident companies in the banking industry can represent a competitive advantage. According to the source, foreign companies do not prioritize the small preferences available in the Hi-Tech Park. “They are ready to pay more by getting the competence and knowledge of the local specialists. It should be the main marketing trick to attract international financial institutions to Belarus,” said Valery Tsepkalo.

According to the HTP Administration, in 2013 HTP earnings were close to the equivalent of $525 million, with 85% of the figure earned by export. The HTP is busy looking for new markets and new clients. The number of HTP employees rose by 3,000 people in 2013, including about 500 graduates of Belarusian universities. The HTP trains personnel on its own, too.