MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko convened a meeting to discuss the efficiency of the country’s retail service system on 26 August, BelTA has learned.
“We must make all necessary decisions to ensure decent living conditions for our people, especially in rural areas,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
The president was informed that city residents, and, notably, young families, are increasingly purchasing houses in rural areas, whether as country homes or permanent residences. “God willing,city dwellers will increasingly choose to buy houses in rural areas in various villages and settlements,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He noted that for villagers,the closure of a shop, for example, causes numerous problems. “Naturally, in the 21st century, the loss of the ability to purchase essential goods leads to understandable grievances,” the head of state emphasized. “I repeat once again: the closure of a shop in a village is a major problem for the people who live there.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that for local residents, it does not matter whether the closed facility belongs to a private entrepreneur, municipality, or the consumer cooperative. The government and regional authorities have therefore once again been instructed to ensure the existence of an efficient nationwide retail service system that will guarantee quality and ensure the social responsibility of trade toward people.
“Based on the government's report presented to me, the conclusions are as follows: as usual, things are going according to plan, people are being served at an appropriate level, yet certain regulatory barriers are hampering the development of trade. You once again use the terms similar to swear words. And you said that the regulatory system is not functioning properly. I would like to ask: do you, the authors, even understand what you’re writing? In your opinion, are these really the main obstacles to the operation of rural shops?” the head of state asked. “I would like to know who is imposing these so‑called regulatory barriers, and why they have not been removed yet. According to your data, several national concepts, strategies, and plans are being implemented for rural residents. So why are there still problems and public dissatisfaction?”
Among those attending the meeting with the head of state were the heads of the government, the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives, the President Administration, the State Control Committee, regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee, Belstat, the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART), the Economy Ministry, and the National Union of Consumer Societies (Belkoopsoyuz).
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