Artur Karpovich
MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) - Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Artur Karpovich spoke to the media about the steps envisaged to improve the trade system, including in rural areas, following a meeting with the head of state to discuss the country’s consumer trade system on 26 August, BelTA has learned.
According to Artur Karpovich, the development of a clear system for consumer trade services, primarily in rural areas, by the end of the year is the main task set by the head of state. The minister emphasized that it is necessary to “reach every home and every resident”.
According to Artur Karpovich, the development of a clear system for consumer trade services, primarily in rural areas, by the end of the year is the main task set by the head of state. The minister emphasized that it is necessary to “reach every home and every resident”.
“Of course, the main burden of responsibility here will fall on local authorities. At the same time, the ministry will begin developing this clear mechanism to ensure that as few people as possible are dissatisfied with the service, including in rural areas,” Artur Karpovich said.
The discussion turned to servicing small villages. Artur Karpovich was asked who would be responsible for such settlements. “I don’t think there will be a universal formula here. To say that it will be exclusively a large retail chain... No, it depends on the location of the retail facility, which nearby retail outlet serves the area, and which traveling stores serve the population,” he said.
The minister added that the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) would examine these issues jointly with oblast executive committees to build a reliable consumer trade system. Situations where, for example, a chain store launches operations in a specific settlement only to withdraw after some time must be avoided.
“This needs to be addressed carefully, thoughtfully, and precisely,” the minister emphasized.
One of the questions addressed to the minister concerned the occasional replacement of stationary retail outlets with digital (e-commerce) platforms in rural areas. In this regard, Artur Karpovich was asked how to reach a balance in such cases.
The minister added that the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) would examine these issues jointly with oblast executive committees to build a reliable consumer trade system. Situations where, for example, a chain store launches operations in a specific settlement only to withdraw after some time must be avoided.
“This needs to be addressed carefully, thoughtfully, and precisely,” the minister emphasized.
One of the questions addressed to the minister concerned the occasional replacement of stationary retail outlets with digital (e-commerce) platforms in rural areas. In this regard, Artur Karpovich was asked how to reach a balance in such cases.
“This is also a rather complex issue. Today, a person is able to shop online. But tomorrow, this online store may close, deciding it is economically unviable, and leave the area. By that time, the stationary store may have already closed as well because it became unprofitable to operate due to the online store's coverage. Again, there is no single formula here,” he said.
According to the minister, local authorities, who study and know the specific area and the specific operator, should sign appropriate commitments with them. “To simply abandon people and leave a settlement would be, at the very least, unfair. And, fundamentally, it is unacceptable. Therefore, we will take measures to prevent such situations,” Artur Karpovich said.
In his words, the population often contacts the ministry’s leadership directly through various communication channels regarding various problems. “I mentioned during the meeting with the head of state that we, in turn, are open to consumers through our Telegram channel and our website. We survey people, identify existing problems, note the addresses of stores, and, by traveling to locations and coordinating with local authorities, resolve specific issues,” the minister said.
According to the minister, local authorities, who study and know the specific area and the specific operator, should sign appropriate commitments with them. “To simply abandon people and leave a settlement would be, at the very least, unfair. And, fundamentally, it is unacceptable. Therefore, we will take measures to prevent such situations,” Artur Karpovich said.
In his words, the population often contacts the ministry’s leadership directly through various communication channels regarding various problems. “I mentioned during the meeting with the head of state that we, in turn, are open to consumers through our Telegram channel and our website. We survey people, identify existing problems, note the addresses of stores, and, by traveling to locations and coordinating with local authorities, resolve specific issues,” the minister said.
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