Semashko: Belarus benefits from being in Customs Union, SES

      First Deputy Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko believes that being part of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space (SES) benefits Belarus a lot.
      Vladimir Semashko reminded that it was not easy for Belarus to make up its mind to join these organizations. However, he noted: “Every decision has its pros and cons, however taking into consideration that Belarus is an open economy that should be able to sell 65% of its national product, the accession to these integration associations was definitely the right move”. 
       Vladimir Semashko commented on loan debts of agricultural companies. He noted that there was time when the government could afford helping them: “In 2005-2010 the government allocated $42 billion to these companies from various sources on different terms in a bid to revive agriculture. Naturally, debts accumulated,” the First Vice-Premier said. Thanks to the support of the government, agricultural companies, according to Vladimir Semashko, stand on their feet more confidently now. “Now they have more opportunities compared to some 5-6 years ago, therefore, they should work on repaying the loans,” he said.