MINSK, 17 February (BelTA) – I suggest we make a list of honest businesses and exempt them from inspections, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with representatives of private enterprises in Minsk on 17 February, BelTA learned.
“Regarding inspections and other things. Let's think about making a list of honest businesses. Bona fide businesses. Let's make the list and publish it. Names may be added or removed from it. We will instruct the State Control Committee and other authorities, including the tax authorities, to check up on you every three years. You should keep up your end of the deal and don’t engage in illegalities once you are put on this list,” the head of state noted. “I am ready to consider the list compiled by you, sign it and hand it over to the financial and other watchdogs. No watchdog will come to inspect you. Once a business proves its bona fide status we add it to the list.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that when it comes to control over private business, one should understand that the playing field should be equal. “We exercise control over state-owned companies. Tough control. We will exercise the same control over you if you need one. This is the way things are in any state. But at the same time, I emphasize, we are ready to waive it if we come to terms. If you pay your taxes (that's the main thing), and if you treat well your staff: ordinary workers, farmers who work for you. These are the main two conditions,” the president said.
“Please come up with a proposal and submit it to me. That's how we'll settle this matter. If someone doesn't want to work honestly, we won't punish you either until we find some wrongdoing. After all, all are presumed innocent until found guilty. It's not my idea. So think together about how we do it. I want your proposals to be specific,” the head of state added.
“Regarding inspections and other things. Let's think about making a list of honest businesses. Bona fide businesses. Let's make the list and publish it. Names may be added or removed from it. We will instruct the State Control Committee and other authorities, including the tax authorities, to check up on you every three years. You should keep up your end of the deal and don’t engage in illegalities once you are put on this list,” the head of state noted. “I am ready to consider the list compiled by you, sign it and hand it over to the financial and other watchdogs. No watchdog will come to inspect you. Once a business proves its bona fide status we add it to the list.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that when it comes to control over private business, one should understand that the playing field should be equal. “We exercise control over state-owned companies. Tough control. We will exercise the same control over you if you need one. This is the way things are in any state. But at the same time, I emphasize, we are ready to waive it if we come to terms. If you pay your taxes (that's the main thing), and if you treat well your staff: ordinary workers, farmers who work for you. These are the main two conditions,” the president said.
“Please come up with a proposal and submit it to me. That's how we'll settle this matter. If someone doesn't want to work honestly, we won't punish you either until we find some wrongdoing. After all, all are presumed innocent until found guilty. It's not my idea. So think together about how we do it. I want your proposals to be specific,” the head of state added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that he was ready to assist businessmen in establishing partnerships in foreign markets. “If you have an interest in Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, in Africa... Please share your business ideas and I am ready, given the circumstances, to fly and talk about this topic. I'm ready to help you. Just understand that you are not saints and we are not going to pray you like an icon. Business is hard. But it must be honest,” the president said.
“An inspector can no longer come to an entrepreneur for a cup of coffee. He/she must get a written warrant from their supervisor. And if someone comes to you and you suspect something, let us know. We will check who has sent this person. But so far there have not been cases like that. In other words, we have built a certain system. Find a way to inform us if something like that happens. We will take care of you so that his/her ‘buddies’ - a civil servant or an inspector - do not come to you later. I guarantee that I will get involved. I will personally study this case. You can write about it on the Internet – my aides keep track of this and submit reviews to me every morning. I respond,” the head of state said.
“In our state, with my approach to these issues, you will always get support. Always. Especially those engaged in manufacturing. I want you to hear me. One cannot regulate everything with laws, legal acts. There are also so-called regulatory principles of human relations. Bring anything that worries you to my attention. Believe me, I have enough power to show anyone their place,” said the Belarusian leader.
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