Posted: 06.06.2022 14:27:00

Sanctions policy against Belarus is not constructive economic tool

Doctor of Economics and Professor Natalia Kireenko commented on the President’s statement that Belarus’ neighbours are doing themselves considerable harm by their clumsy actions

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According to the expert, Belarus enjoys a more advantageous position against the situation in the world food market, since the country has focused its agricultural and food production on the use of national domestic potential and its own resources.

“Over the time of Belarus’ existence as an independent and sovereign state, it has managed to form a closed-loop economy. The production cycle is formed at the expense of internal resources and the country’s human potential and capabilities. Therefore, Belarus is now fully providing itself with the necessary food. Moreover, it has an opportunity not only to produce for its own needs, but also to act as an export-oriented state,” Ms. Kireenko noted, adding that an unprecedented pressure of economic sanctions against Belarus has resulted in destruction of production and household chains and revision of logistics flows.

“The whole world already registers an unprecedented increase in food prices. Apart from growing prices, Western countries are experiencing a lack of food and, in this regard, I think it is correct that the Head of State raised the question of viewing Belarus as a transit state to transport food to Europe and other countries. On the other hand, Western countries should understand that we also need to use their transport flows and corridors to promote our products,” she said.

The economist noted that the level of malnutrition in Africa makes now 20 percent of the total population, and the situation – that is happening in the world – is actually aggravating it, since the number of those who lack food will further increase.

“In this situation, Belarus enjoys a good potential in the agricultural sector, and the country is already considering other markets to promote its products, provide assistance and address issues of national food security. Belarus has done a lot in this regard, especially in its work with the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Our diplomatic missions function there, and trade and economic co-operation is actively developing. Belarus has already mastered the markets of Morocco, Somalia, South Sudan in terms of agriculture and food. The market potential is much greater, so our country can increase export supplies of agricultural and industrial products there,” Ms. Kireenko added.

In addition, the expert commented on possible provision of humanitarian assistance to the United States: Belarus can supply baby food – that the US lacks now due to the sanctions boomerang – there.

“The Belarusian market of baby food is attractive for domestic and foreign producers. Given that our manufacturers are focused on foreign markets, there are prospects in terms of supplies, for example, to the United States. It is necessary to take into account that Belarusian food is of high quality, it is aimed at different age groups and diseases (from the medical point of view). It is safe, reasonably priced and competitive in foreign markets. Therefore, if the American side turns to Belarus with a request for assistance in different formats, as the President noted, there are, of course, possibilities to deliver our Belarusian products there,” the economist stressed.