I can’t help but mention the weather. We’ve suffered a whole month of incredible heat. It has been the topic of numerous conversations, as nothing similar has been seen in years: 30 to 40 Celsius is certainly unusual. How should we behave if this continues? We need to adapt urgently to these unique conditions.Doctors recommend that we take time to understand the phenomenon of heat, which affects our economy and lifestyle. Our buildings and tech-niques — just like human behaviour — have been designed for certain climatic conditions; when the weather changes, urgent adaptation is required. Today’s ‘abnormal heat’ may become the norm tomorrow. We need to research more universal materials, able to resist high (and low) temperatures.
We primarily refer to agrarian science. This year, Belarus boasts a good harvest, with grain growers courageously working during the heat, giving us a successful crop. This year’s harvest may enable us to earn revenue from exports, since many countries have already announced a deficit of wheat and other crop cereals. The lessons we should learn are evident: prompt investigations are needed to ensure we grow more universal cereals, resistant to nature’s cataclysms. Our machinery, roads and farmers should be ready for any weather conditions.
However, the recent hot weather didn’t bring anything too extraordinary and our rescuers were able to behave calmly, keeping a vigilant watch on our countryside. In fact, they went to help our neighbours — the Russians — who were suffering from fires in many regions. When trouble is nearby, what can we do but help?
As far as other inter-state relations are concerned, Belarus and Syria are keen to promote political and business relationships, as stimulated by the official visit of the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad, to Minsk. Our article entitled Tactics Growing into Strategy is dedicated to Syrian-Belarusian prospects. Potential for the Region explores this topic further, with the Belarusian Ambassador to Syria, H.E. Mr. Oleg Yermolovich, noting that Syria undoubtedly attracts interest, being a key country in the Middle East. Closer interaction with this country is of pragmatic importance for Belarus.
Diversity is always welcome in the political environment. Belarus and neighbouring Lithuania could greatly advance their bilateral relationship, as we note in Real Diversification, which is devoted to Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius’ visit to Minsk.
Everyday economic life is also under focus. Transit Resource explores logistics as a priority for the domestic economy. Successful Niche for Exporters accentuates the importance of exports and finance leasing. Both note that Polish entrepreneurs have recently begun to actively invest in Belarusian production. To some extent, this is a landmark tradition, as Poland used to be a very active trade-economic partner of Belarus. In Neighbouring Business, we discuss the revival of former business ties.
We continue to have hopes for a better future, and our dreams may come true, if we pursue them whole-heartedly.
BY Viktor Kharkov,magazine editor
Беларусь. Belarus
