recent industrial revival did not lead to updating technologies and equipment (as FDI was discouraged), therefore much of the local industry is not highly competitive by international standards.
Major industrial employers include:
� Minsk Tractor Plant � specialised in manufacturing tractors. Established in 1946 in eastern Minsk, is among major manufacturers of wheeled tractors in the CIS. Employs about 30,000 staff.
� Minsk Automobile Plant � specialising in producing trucks, buses and mini-vans. Established in 1944 in south-eastern Minsk, is among major vehicle manufacturers in the CIS.
� Minsk Refrigerator Plant (also known as Atlant) � specialised in manufacturing household goods, such as refrigerators, freezers, and recently also of washing machines. Established in 1959 in north-west of the city.
� Horizont � specialised in producing TV-sets, audio and video electronics. Established in 1950 in north-central Minsk.
Unemployment
Official statistics quote unemployment in Minsk at 0.3%. During 2009 census 5.6% of Minsk residents of employable age called themselves unemployed. The government discourages official unemployment registration with tiny unemployment benefits (70 000 BYR ? $14 per month) and obligatory public works
