The President notes that Sberbank has fulfilled and, even, exceeded obligations taken five years ago, under an investment agreement with the Belarusian Government. He commented, “I must say that Sberbank has fulfilled its obligations as no other Russian company has done; it has even surpassed our expectations, for which I’m very grateful.”
BPS-Sberbank assets have increased 2.5-fold in USD terms, with loans up 2.3-fold and capital 1.5-fold. Mr. Lukashenko voiced his gratefulness for the bank’s support of Belarusian equipment and noted that Mr. Gref’s visit should help Belarus review its action plan relating to the Russian Rouble. He added, “For co-ordination, it will be most useful to work in unison.”
Speaking of global economics, the Belarusian President recalled a recent visit by China’s President, Xi Jinping. Mr. Lukashenko was heartened to hear that China believes a slow recovery is now evident and the two heads of state agreed to ‘navigate together’. Naturally, there have been negative factors affecting Russia and Belarus.
Mr. Gref thanked the Belarusian Government for its support and for offering favourable conditions to business development. Of Sberbank Group, he stated that there are no issues sitting ‘like a stone on the soul’. He is keen to continue co-operation, regardless of difficult external economic conditions, and has offered to plan the next joint steps.
By Veniamin Pimenov
