MINSK, 21 June (BelTA) – Various models of how sanctions may affect branches of the Belarusian economy and possible responses are being calculated. Belarusian First Deputy Economy Minister Yuri Chebotar made the statement on the air of the Belarusian TV channel STV, BelTA has learned.
The official said: “We look at various scenarios and at how these scenarios and external conditions can affect the work of specific industries. We are calculating factor models. We are evaluating what branches of the national economy can do to respond to such challenges. The relevant groups in the government are working on this matter. We know how we will act in specific circumstances.”
The Economy Ministry has not registered a substantial impact of the sanctions on the economic situation in the country. The Belarusian economy demonstrated growth in January-May 2021.
Yuri Chebotar spoke at length about Belarus-China relations. China remains a priority area and an interesting market regarding many commodities. Even in 2020 Belarus' export to China exceeded $1 billion. Belarus' export to China has doubled in comparison with the relevant period of last year.
Yuri Chebotar went on saying: “Not only the development of trade and economic relations is important for us. The development of investment relations is important, too. We are preparing the relevant agreement on free trade in services and on investments with our Chinese friends. Thanks to the agreement the volume of investments may rise by 30% while the volume of services may grow by about 10-15%.”
The 30th anniversary of Belarus-China diplomatic relations will be marked next year. A declaration on a new level of relations – transition to “iron friendship” and “iron brotherhood” – is being prepared.
