MINSK, 27 July (BelTA) – Belarus intends to grow supplies to far-away countries, Belarus' Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said, BelTA has learned.
“A greater focus on distant markets has been prompted by the need to increase our presence in friendly countries. We need to make up for the closure of markets and restrictions of exports to Western countries and Ukraine. The export flows that we need to redirect are estimated at $16 billion at the minimum. We need to address this issue in order to ensure stable operation of the domestic economy and the well-being of citizens,” said Roman Golovchenko.
Taking into account the existing agreements, a significant part of exports is to be redirected to other states, including the strategic partner Russia. In January-May, the export to Russia increased by 17.3%. “Other important export destinations are distant countries, most of which maintain friendly relations with Belarus. First of all, these are China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other countries of Asia and the Middle East,” the prime minister said.
“In January-May Belarus' export to distant market remained insignificant. Today we must scrutinize the current situation, take stock of the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, industries and diplomatic missions,” Roman Golovchenko emphasized.
According to the premier, all the tasks have already been set and specified. A comprehensive cooperation strategy with distant markets, plans for interaction between embassies and industries were adopted. The Council of Ministers signed resolutions setting out export tasks and facilitating export lending. “Decisions to provide financial support to exporters have been taken, tasks have been set, and it is critical to fulfill them,” the head of government stressed.
“Closer cooperation with distant countries is the number one priority for executives and managers at all levels. They will be held to account if they fail,” Roman Golovchenko added.
