MINSK, 3 March (BelTA) – The main guideline for the country's economic policy should be the people's interests, not statistical figures, Dean of the Economic Department at the Belarusian State University, Doctor of Physics and Mathematical Sciences Mikhail Kovalev told BelTA as he commented on the meeting hosted by the president on 2 March to hear out reports of the government, National Bank, oblast executive committees, and Minsk City Hall on Belarus' economic performance in 2017 and the efforts to ensure sustainable economic growth.
“The president is absolutely right: most people are not interested in inflation or GDP parameters. People are, first of all, interested in what they can buy for their salaries. That is why, the whole country, both big and small companies, should take efforts to make salaries go up faster, which is happening right now. This is what the people are concerned about,” said Mikhail Kovalev.
According to the expert, at the end of 2017 and at the start of 2018 the government has done a lot to curb inflation and create new jobs. The work produces results. In 2018, new high-performance jobs will be created, including thanks to the implementation of Decree No. 7 and Decree No. 8 which promote entrepreneurship and the digital economy. In 2017, the export of software programs amounted to about $1.2 billion. This means 30,000 jobs with high salaries. “In other sectors, we need to do our best to sell more goods abroad and earn money to increase salaries,” Mikhail Kovalev added.
The first month of the year showed that the positive trends in the economy maintain. The GDP growth of 4.6% in January testifies to the fact. The industrial output is also on the rise, by 9.7% in January. “I am optimistic about this year and I think, taking into account the goals and tasks that the president has set, the government will do well this year,” Mikhail Kovalev stated.
