Lukashenko: Belarus’ economy recovering, but not yet out of the woods

The economy of Belarus is showing signs of recovery, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko to receive his report on 31 October, BelTA has learned.

Attending the meeting were also First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, Chairman of the State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov and Chairperson of the National Statistical Committee Inna Medvedeva.

“Let us consider a number of issues. First of all, how is our economy doing? We are stating - and it is true – a certain recovery and growth of the economy in general over the past months, weeks. I say this on purpose and emphasize it so that our people understand that not everything is perfect. They sometimes criticize us for the fact that ministers allegedly paint the situation in brighter colors, especially the economy minister. The economy minister does not embellish anything, he talks about the economy in general, about the situation at its macro level. And he is right to do so. In order to build a strategy, we must see the macro level and conduct an appropriate macroeconomic policy. We cannot do without it in tactics, too,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to the president, this does not mean that the authorities do not see the real situation at small and medium-sized enterprises and problems at large production facilities. “They have always been there, and moreover now amid sanctions. In general, however, the economy in certain areas is showing good results. We are not here to gloss the situation over. I have invited the heads of our Statistical Committee and the State Control Committee to see the real situation, including in the economic sector,” the head of state explained.

“What do we expect at the end of 2022? We will revisit this question more than once, but nevertheless - what results are we set to have at the end of the year?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.

The head of state recalled that the task was to keep the economic indicators at least at last year's level. “At least, they must meet the last year’s level. It would be great if they surpass it,” the president said.

One of the topics of the report was cooperation with Russia, the main market for Belarusian goods. “How are our agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin  implemented?” asked the head of state.

The next issue raised by the president was the implementation of projects of the State Authority for Military Industry. Here, as the head of the state noted, Belarus has very big plans. “I know that we have begun implementing some of the projects. Apart from the military-industrial complex I would also like to hear out the information about the nuclear power plant and its operation,” he added.