Belarus’ per capita GDP of $30,000 possible in 2016, Prokopovich says

       Belarus may reach a GDP of $30,000 per capita in 2016, Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Prokopovich said at the joint session of the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives of the National Assembly. Prokopovich noted that in order to secure stable foreign trade surplus Belarus needs to have a per capita GDP of at least $30,000 while revenue from one employed should stand at $60,000. According to Piotr Prokopovich, the initial plans were to achieve these figures in 2015. However, unsatisfactory work in 2012-2013 cast doubt on these plans, the Deputy Premier said. “If we improve our performance, such work may be completed in 2016 even if things take a turn for the worse,” he said.
      Piotr Prokopovich said that one of the major challenges facing the government is to increase the competitiveness of Belarusian goods. “Currently the objective is to secure a foreign trade surplus of at least 5-7% above import. As much as 10% would be even better,” Piotr Prokopovich added. He pointed out good prerequisites for boosting Belarus’ export potential because at present the economic situation in the EU and other countries is improving.