The West should learn from Lukashenko, expert believes

Belarus is actively developing supplies of its products to the Russian market, and President Aleksandr Lukashenko plays a leading role in this process. He holds regular meetings with representatives of Russian regions, guided by an aim to gain strong foothold on the neighbouring market. Aleksei Avdonin, an analyst with the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, shared his views on why the Belarusian leader’s strategy is especially relevant these days.

In his talk with Alfa Radio, Mr. Avdonin figuratively compared Belarus with a large company led by a high-class top manager. “The Head of State feels the market and possibilities to increase earnings for the company (or country) so well, that he realises: every minute counts – especially at times when such a window of opportunities has opened. How can these opportunities be used? This is possible only by holding more meetings. It is necessary to focus exclusively on economic results, and it involves new contracts, projects, and co-operation. This should be done with those who make decisions at a local level: governors or companies located on the territory of interest,” he said.

Mr. Avdonin noted that meetings with Russian regions’ representatives produce a tremendous result, “A number of agreements and contracts with our enterprises are immediately concluded, and Belarusian products are shipped virtually the next day, while our specialists are involved in the process of developing new products for import substitution programmes."

“Simultaneously, more global issues are being resolved. Recall Aleksandr Lukashenko’s meeting with the Governor of the Leningrad Region. They discussed a possibility of delivering Belarusian goods in a fairly short time by sea and at a lower price. As a result, ‘Made in Belarus’ labelled products will be present all over the world!” the expert added.

Mr. Avdonin explained, “The President has set an intense tone for all officials and company heads: not to idle away. On getting up in the morning, they should immediately think of whom to meet, where to deliver products and how to expand projects. They might produce, for example, a hundred of articles today, but this figure should grow to reach a million tomorrow. This is actually the Belarusian idea."

When asked of whether Western politicians need to learn from Aleksandr Lukashenko how to behave in such crisis situations, the expert said, “I think they are already taking notes.”