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MINSK, 17 February (BelTA) – The government is not going to put artificial barriers for private business, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with business owners to discuss the state and prospects of the country’s business sector on 17 February, BelTA has learned.
According to the head of state, decriminalization of economic risks is among the issues that require special attention.
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that there are dishonest people among entrepreneurs, as in any other field, and they cast a shadow of mistrust on the entire business community. “But I want to emphasize: the government will not put any artificial barriers because of a few crooks. We should proceed from pragmatism and common sense,” the head of state said.
“I think that we should be guided solely by the interests of our economy. The authorities want private and state-run companies, as well as foreign enterprises, to work for the common good of people and the country. This means that private and state-run companies should have equal terms. We should put them on an equal footing,” the president said.
According to the head of state, decriminalization of economic risks is among the issues that require special attention.
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that there are dishonest people among entrepreneurs, as in any other field, and they cast a shadow of mistrust on the entire business community. “But I want to emphasize: the government will not put any artificial barriers because of a few crooks. We should proceed from pragmatism and common sense,” the head of state said.
“I think that we should be guided solely by the interests of our economy. The authorities want private and state-run companies, as well as foreign enterprises, to work for the common good of people and the country. This means that private and state-run companies should have equal terms. We should put them on an equal footing,” the president said.
Addressing the participants of the event, the president asked what factors, in their opinion, are holding back the development of the private sector of the economy, what prevents entrepreneurs from significantly ramping up investments, expanding production, creating high-income jobs, especially in the regions.
“I very much count on your active participation and on our frank dialogue,” the head of state said.