Lukashenko: both private and state-run sectors should work for common good of Belarus and its people
It is necessary to proceed primarily from the interests of the economy in the further development of the business environment – as noted by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during his today’s meeting with representatives of private enterprises
The Head of State, in particular, stressed, “We should proceed solely from the interests of our economy. The state authorities are equally interested in the private and state-run sectors, as well as foreign enterprises, working for the common good of the people and the country. This means that private and state-owned enterprises need to operate on equal terms.”
The President asked the participants of the meeting what factors are holding the private sector development back and prevent entrepreneurs from increasing investments on a large scale, expanding production, and creating high-income jobs, especially in the regions.
The Government's position on the issue was presented by First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, and the President added that he expected the active participation of the entrepreneurs in the conversation and an honest dialogue. “If there are any problematics issues, please voice them. If you criticise someone today and identify problems, there will be no consequences for you – I guarantee that. Please develop a system to report me on the state of affairs. Everything will be sorted out very seriously if someone attacks you, bothers or insults you, including by people in uniform or from the Government. Report to me on such cases. No one should insult or humiliate anyone. Why they [businessmen] should be offended and insulted if they bring benefits. If they have done something wrong somewhere – not just violated, but virtually trampled on the law – then we have enough spare places [in prison],” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The Head of State once again drew attention to the problem of capital withdrawal from the country, “There are actually some companies – especially foreign ones – which operate in Belarus and whose employees work hard to earn money, but whose top managers withdraw capital. If you want to buy something abroad, that’s ok – but let’s elaborate a system so that nobody can find faults with you. Meanwhile, what should my attitude towards you be if you are hiding the money earned here abroad?”
