MINSK, 19 June (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has made a few comments about reports of individual mass media about the transfer of accounts of state enterprises from daughter enterprises of Russian banks. The statements were made during the government conference held on 19 June to discuss how the banking system can support the real sector of the economy, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Certain provocateurs launched a story in mass media, which goes as far as to suggest the daughter enterprises of Russian banks in Belarus will fall apart. They accuse the government of transferring accounts of state enterprises and so on. Let's talk about facts.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko continued: “On the one hand, for instance, online mass media condemn the public sector of every mortal sin every day: losses, debts, low salaries. They claim it is unprofitable to work with the public sector. But is it not a smart business move for the state as the main owner to transfer accounts to, let's say, Belagroprombank? You have to offer better terms to counter that. And focus on matters of financing instead of financing political campaigns as we can see.”
On the other hand, according to the president, for instance, BPS-Sberbank works in Belarus and takes an active part in sales of Belarusian vehicles, machines, and equipment (BelAZ trucks, tractors) to Russia within the framework of export programs. “Besides, we are going to have a meeting with [Sberbank CEO Herman] Gref soon. He wants to lend us $0.5 billion on profitable terms. Thanks for the profitable offer, we will accept and will take the money. This person doesn't concern himself with politics, but business. Why should we put pressure on Gref's bank?” the head of state wondered.
BelVEB Bank is another example. “Huge resources are channeled via that bank to finance the construction of the nuclear power plant. Why should we put pressure on it? It works in the interests of the state. If we ever have questions, we will ask them. If the bank gets out of its element, we will put it in its place. Regardless of whether it is a Russian, American, Swiss, or Polish bank – we don't care what kind of bank it is. There are laws and they must be obeyed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
