MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) - The decision to introduce increased tariffs on Belarusian imports to the EU is blatant trade protectionism, unfair competition and the untalented imitation of vigorous activity on the part of European institutions, spokesman for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ruslan Varankov told the media as he commented on the approval by the European Parliament of the draft decision to introduce increased tariffs on Belarusian goods.
“Folk wisdom has saved a lot of apt definitions for such cases: from ‘shooting oneself in the foot’ to ‘cutting off your nose to spite your face’," Ruslan Varankov quipped. “But on a more serious note we sympathize with ordinary citizens of the EU member states, who will be deprived of access to high-quality, inexpensive and competitive products made in Belarus, primarily agricultural products and nitrogen fertilizers.”
In his opinion, it is no coincidence that European farmers and their organizations have clearly and unequivocally condemned the thoughtless plans of European officials. After all, all they can lead to is another hike in food prices in the EU, the destruction of jobs in the agricultural sector and a further decline in living standards.
For example, an increase in tariffs on Belarusian casein, which accounted for every fifth tonne of European imports, will drive up prices for mixed fodder. Rising prices for flax, which currently covers half of the EU needs, will hit the textile industry, forcing it to buy raw materials twice as expensive. And restrictions on fertilizers, where Belarus is the fourth largest supplier, will hurt farmers: the cost of their products will rise, and ordinary families will have to overpay for bread and milk.
According to Ruslan Varankov, such decisions of the European Union punish only its own producers and consumers, adding fuel to the fire of social discontent instead of fighting the impending economic recession and inflation against the background of a sharp increase in military spending.
“Belarus, on the other hand, as a reliable supplier, will continue to work on export diversification. This is a rational strategy and is backed by the growing supplies, for example, to Russia, countries of Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” he said.
“We see the actions by European institutions for what they are: blatant trade protectionism, unfair competition and the untalented imitation of vigorous activity,” the spokesman for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “I wonder if any thinking person still believes in false statements about stimulating European agricultural production? Can you really have a serious conversation with the partners who do not care about their own citizens, and in general, their states?”
Despite this, Belarus, being guided by the principles of good-neighborliness and responsibility for global food security, remains open for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, Ruslan Varankov said. “We are convinced that it is only through a respectful dialogue that we can find solutions that meet the interests of all parties,” he said.
“Folk wisdom has saved a lot of apt definitions for such cases: from ‘shooting oneself in the foot’ to ‘cutting off your nose to spite your face’," Ruslan Varankov quipped. “But on a more serious note we sympathize with ordinary citizens of the EU member states, who will be deprived of access to high-quality, inexpensive and competitive products made in Belarus, primarily agricultural products and nitrogen fertilizers.”
In his opinion, it is no coincidence that European farmers and their organizations have clearly and unequivocally condemned the thoughtless plans of European officials. After all, all they can lead to is another hike in food prices in the EU, the destruction of jobs in the agricultural sector and a further decline in living standards.
For example, an increase in tariffs on Belarusian casein, which accounted for every fifth tonne of European imports, will drive up prices for mixed fodder. Rising prices for flax, which currently covers half of the EU needs, will hit the textile industry, forcing it to buy raw materials twice as expensive. And restrictions on fertilizers, where Belarus is the fourth largest supplier, will hurt farmers: the cost of their products will rise, and ordinary families will have to overpay for bread and milk.
According to Ruslan Varankov, such decisions of the European Union punish only its own producers and consumers, adding fuel to the fire of social discontent instead of fighting the impending economic recession and inflation against the background of a sharp increase in military spending.
“Belarus, on the other hand, as a reliable supplier, will continue to work on export diversification. This is a rational strategy and is backed by the growing supplies, for example, to Russia, countries of Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” he said.
“We see the actions by European institutions for what they are: blatant trade protectionism, unfair competition and the untalented imitation of vigorous activity,” the spokesman for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “I wonder if any thinking person still believes in false statements about stimulating European agricultural production? Can you really have a serious conversation with the partners who do not care about their own citizens, and in general, their states?”
Despite this, Belarus, being guided by the principles of good-neighborliness and responsibility for global food security, remains open for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, Ruslan Varankov said. “We are convinced that it is only through a respectful dialogue that we can find solutions that meet the interests of all parties,” he said.
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