MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) – Belarus does not need reforms similar to those carried out in Russia by Yegor Gaidar, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said before hearing out a report on the tax and excise policy in 2016 on 22 February, BelTA has learned.
The President noted that he thoroughly analyzed the proposals of the government. “Belarus does not need reforms similar to those carried out in Russia by Yegor Gaidar,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.
“We are building the socially oriented economy and told people that a person is in the center of our attention. A person is the priority. We will do everything we can to protect people in Belarus,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko instructed the government and local authorities to bolster production. “We need to manufacture and sell products. Then we will have more money in the budget, and will not have to cut the financing of state programs,” the President is convinced.
During the meeting on 22 February the President was informed about a set of measures to implement the tax and excise policy in 2016. Plans have been made to raise fuel excise duties without increasing retail prices, support the oil refineries. The head of state noted that he is not against raising fuel excise duties and stressed that this move should not affect the population. Alexander Lukashenko approved of the initiative to increase excise duties on premium cigarettes and added this will be a small increase while the budget revenues will be spent on the development of healthcare, sport, and support of children.
The President is expected to sign the legal acts prepared by the government soon. These legal acts are aimed at solving economic issues.
