MINSK, 1 April (BelTA) – Belarus is drafting a set of measures to boost economic stability against the backdrop of the coronavirus. One of these measures is to allow lessees impacted by coronavirus to defer rent payments for state-run property. However, private lessors are also urged to grant rent concessions to affected businesses, Chairman of the Commission on Housing Policy and Construction of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly Viktor Nikolaikin said during a briefing in the BelTA press center on 1 April, BelTA has learned.
The MP noted that on 26 March the Presidium of the Council of Ministers discussed measures to support businesses. “A 16-page document sets forth measures that have to do with banks and local authorities. One of the proposals is to allow rent deferrals. First of all it pertains to state-run property. At the same time, we urge private lessors to provide relief to lessees,” Viktor Nikolaikin said.
Local authorities are already working on it in some regions. The scale of support will depend on the budget of a particular region.
“The same pertains to housing construction and other aspects of the construction industry,” the MP said answering a question whether the support program will extend to households who took out housing loans.
According to the MP, these and other measures will be taken in the nearest future, in April-May.
Viktor Nikolaikin also spoke about the work of the commission. By the spring session that is opening on 2 April, the commission has drafted amendments to the law on state regulation of trade and public catering, the bill on amending advertising laws and a number of other documents.
