MINSK, 31 January (BelTA) - The main task of the National Bank and the government is to implement the economic development plans, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he heard out a report by Chairman of the Board of the National Bank Pavel Kallaur and Aide to the President for the Development of the Financial and Credit System Valery Belsky, BelTA has learned.
"There will be no undue pressure on you, on the aide who deals with these issues, or on the government. I just want to reiterate that the GDP growth and other targets must be fulfilled. God forbid it doesn't happen. The main thing, as you both just acknowledged, is the economy. Everything else is secondary," the head of state emphasized.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the prime minister and the head of the banking system have all the necessary levers. "During the appointment, these levers were handed over to you. Take any action you deem necessary. As I said to healthcare officials, do whatever you have to but save people's lives. The same applies to the economy," he said.
The head of state emphasized that clear plans had been made on all issues, and therefore both the government and the National Bank should act as a single whole. "We have set targets for inflation: it should not exceed 6% [in accordance with the 2022 monetary policy guidelines], GDP and economic growth targets. We have set all targets and they must be strictly observed. All sorts of disputes, Mr Belsky, concerning the money supply, the ruble exchange rate should be confined to the government," Aleksandr Lukashenko warned.
The president explained why he raised this issue: "We have been speaking a lot lately about the performance discipline, some other issues. But when we are at the home stretch we begin to look for excuses. This is wrong."
"Therefore, I would like to hear today not so much about the situation on the financial market (just a brief summary will do) but about the economic prospects. I would also like to know whether there are any other issues related to the sanctions pressure (because you have faced that a lot)," the Belarusian leader added.
