The best-known independent media outlet in Belarus was shut down by authorities in a move denounced by the ex-Soviet state’s weakened opposition and Western countries as a further attempt by President Alexander Lukashenko to snuff out all objective news coverage.

Belarus places a priority on investments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, metallurgy, mechanical engineering industry, production of machines, electrical equipment, home appliances and electronics, transport and related infrastructure, agriculture and food industry, information and communication technologies as well as creation and development of logistics systems and tourism.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has walked a tightrope now for nearly 27 years. He’s frequently shrugged off the “last dictator in Europe”, an “autocrat” and other damning epithets.