MINSK, 24 August (BelTA) – The indicators in which Belarus leads the Eurasian Economic Union were outlined in an interview with Inna Medvedeva, Chairwoman of the National Statistical Committee (Belstat), BelTA has learned.
“Belarus ranks among the leaders in many indicators, as our state takes all measures to develop the economy and improve the people’s well‑being. Our figures largely show that the country is moving forward. Perhaps the most well‑known achievement is that in 2025 we rank 65th in the Human Development Index among 193 countries worldwide. Within the CIS, only the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan are ahead of us,” Inna Medvedeva stressed.
As for the Sustainable Development Goals, Belarus remains in the highest position among EAEU countries: the 32nd place globally. “Our country committed to joining the 2030 Agenda not just for the sake of appearance: it’s a real effort. Already today, 80% of the SDG indicators show progress or have been fully met,” she noted.
In terms of GDP per capita based on purchasing power parity, Belarus ranks third among EAEU countries. “Ahead of us, of course, are Russia and Kazakhstan. Last year we also showed very strong industrial production figures: we were among the leaders along with Kyrgyzstan. Their growth was 5.5%, and ours was 5.4%,” Inna Medvedeva said.
Belarus is a leader in the production of many goods (tractors, chemical fibers and yarns, metal‑cutting machines, potash fertilizers, and heavy‑duty trucks) not only within the CIS, but also globally. “We rank 56th out of 153 countries in the Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index, ahead of all EAEU countries except Russia,” she remarked.
The head of Belstat also highlighted agriculture. “In 2024, per capita production amounted to 958 kg of milk, 147 kg of meat, 542 kg of sugar beet, 341 kg of potatoes, 304 kg of vegetables, and 407 eggs. These are the best figures among EAEU countries, except for grain (913 kg per capita) where we are second, behind Kazakhstan. The successful development of agriculture means the country almost fully meets its own food needs. According to EEC calculations, our self‑sufficiency rate is 96.2%, the highest in the EAEU. For example, our milk output is nearly three times the volume required for the domestic market, meat self‑sufficiency stands at 140%, and eggs at 131%,” Inna Medvedeva said.
Belarus also leads in improving living standards and quality of life. “We have the highest growth rate of real wages and one of the lowest poverty rates: 3.5%. In other EAEU countries, it ranges from 5% to 26%. The same applies to unemployment under the ILO methodology: Russia’s figure is even lower, but we rank second at 3%,” she noted.
Belarus also has a high number of mid-level medical professionals and practicing doctors, which, according to her, is a point of pride. “Today we are not only leaders within the EAEU, but also on the global stage,” she said.
As for infant and maternal mortality, all necessary measures have been taken to keep these rates to a minimum. “We maintain this standard. Our indicators are among the lowest anywhere, and once again, we are global leaders,” the Belstat head stressed.
In addition, around 4 million square meters of housing are built in Belarus each year. “We rank among the top countries in terms of housing provision. Last year this figure reached 30.4 square meters per person, one of the best results in the EAEU,” Inna Medvedeva noted.
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