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MINSK, 17 February (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has urged exporters to work more actively, expand existing market reach and find new ones as he received the government’s 2025 report on 17 February, BelTA has learned.
“For almost all of last year, goods exports performed worse than the year before. We only got back to positive figures in November-December. And it would seem we could be proud of the result – the five-year export plan was fulfilled. However, the targets for the export of certain goods, which you set for yourselves, fell short by more than half last year,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted instances where markets are being lost in physical supplies, and where analysis and planning are falling short.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that despite the growth of supplies to Russia, sales have dropped in half of the 80 Russian regions (cities, republics) that Belarus trades with. “And this despite Russian governors constantly visiting us, they are willing to cooperate,” the president said. Yet the main concern they raise is primarily about ensuring proper equipment maintenance.
“We are spending significant sums to support exporters, each minister is assigned to certain countries to deepen cooperation with them and expand trade. And what’s the result? Where is it?” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “It has become trendy to point fingers at the Russian Central Bank’s tough policy or the aggressive tactics of Chinese manufacturers. That’s real, we talk about it with the Russian president all the time. So why, with all that in mind, can’t we fight just as hard for Belarusian interests, especially in our key market?”
The head of state recalled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed detailed export roadmaps for goods and countries and communicated them to all managers. The Foreign Ministry was also tasked with urgently redeploying diplomats from the West to the East.
“Work on export markets is a personal responsibility of the prime minister. And, most importantly, his deputies. Vice premiers should primarily focus on supplies outside Belarus” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted instances where markets are being lost in physical supplies, and where analysis and planning are falling short.
“You directors are the assault force on the front lines. Ministers stand with you, and the government backs you up. Don’t think that someone else will solve your problems while you blame sanctions or some other thing,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “Your entire business relies on foreign currency! Earn it and bring the money back into the country.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that despite the growth of supplies to Russia, sales have dropped in half of the 80 Russian regions (cities, republics) that Belarus trades with. “And this despite Russian governors constantly visiting us, they are willing to cooperate,” the president said. Yet the main concern they raise is primarily about ensuring proper equipment maintenance.
“We are spending significant sums to support exporters, each minister is assigned to certain countries to deepen cooperation with them and expand trade. And what’s the result? Where is it?” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “It has become trendy to point fingers at the Russian Central Bank’s tough policy or the aggressive tactics of Chinese manufacturers. That’s real, we talk about it with the Russian president all the time. So why, with all that in mind, can’t we fight just as hard for Belarusian interests, especially in our key market?”
Furthermore, the head of state noted, sales are mainly confined to one or two markets. “Having stable economic and friendly ties in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, we deliver only a fifth of our exports there. That is where the real reserve for increasing exports lies,” the president said.
The head of state recalled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed detailed export roadmaps for goods and countries and communicated them to all managers. The Foreign Ministry was also tasked with urgently redeploying diplomats from the West to the East.
“Work on export markets is a personal responsibility of the prime minister. And, most importantly, his deputies. Vice premiers should primarily focus on supplies outside Belarus” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
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