Deputy asserts import substitution to strengthen Belarus’ independence

Import substitution in the economies of the Union State against the backdrop of the recent events is becoming an increasingly relevant topic. This process is being discussed at all levels: from presidential orders to small business development. Import substitution will certainly be an excellent start for the future for Belarus – as stated by the deputy of the House of Representatives, Sergei Klishevich, during his talk with Alfa Radio.

The governments of Belarus and Russia, on behalf of the heads of state, have identified the main directions for import substitution. The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, spoke about this following the negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Sochi on May 23rd.

The host Vadim Shepet asked his guest what the process of import substitution means for Belarus and what it will bring us in the future.

“[It will strengthen] the independence and sovereignty of our state,” said Mr. Klishevich, giving an example, “We see how actively the heads of Russian regions began to come to us. Moreover, they do not just arrive in our country (and this is the difference from their previous visits), but they have a specific list of positions: how much and in what areas a particular Russian region needs goods that are produced in Belarus. That is, they come not to negotiate, but to ask us to help them. Such situation has developed today. We are both solving issues of the national economy in a mutually beneficial manner and helping our main ally, Russia, to replace those components that are currently absent in the Russian Federation due to sanctions. So, of course, import substitution is good for us.”

At the same time, the deputy stressed that the process of transition from one source of raw materials and various goods to others cannot be instantaneous. “We have to spend a certain amount of time – I think about five years – to establish these ties [with the Russian Federation] so that we don’t worry about any sanctions and threats in the future, enabling us to work autonomously. Moreover, our economies (perhaps, plus the economies of other allies) allow us to do this,” he added.

“The Western attempt to destroy Belarus failed; on the contrary, it strengthened our sovereignty and independence across all areas,” summed up Mr. Klishevich.