MINSK, 18 November (BelTA) – The period of sanctions is a time of colossal opportunities for agribusiness. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during a solemn assembly held to honor top agribusiness performers, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Let's not relax. We have something to work on. And most importantly we have to sell our products well. The government and a deputy prime minister are responsible for it. Probably only lazy people disagree with me these days when I say that these so-called sanctions are a time of colossal opportunities for us. I promise you: we will not have another time exactly like this. Appreciate every kopeck and invest it where necessary. In order to get even bigger returns from agricultural industry.”
The president reminded that things were a bit skewed in the countryside in the past when social sphere was in focus but manufacturing capabilities were lagging behind. “Well, since then we have improved manufacturing capabilities, too. We did. We still have something to work on. During this year we agreed on tens of dairy complexes that we have to build in December and next year. Sources of funding have been earmarked more than ever. And if we resolve this problem and if hopefully you fill our complexes with decent cattle, we will increase agricultural output considerably.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that selling finished products had always been a sore point for Belarus. “Even neighboring Russia did not always allow us to sell our products on its market. Times have seriously changed. Today we have plenty of U.S. dollars and euros and the Russian ruble is strong. Because we use it to buy everything we need, what we need for the countryside. I mean oil products, natural gas,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also remarked that Belarus gets energy resources at prices, which are way lower than the prices “sophisticated and democratic” countries of Western Europe pay. Thus, Belarusian agribusiness has a considerable competitive edge. “We have a huge market. Leonid Konstantinovich Zayats [the deputy prime minister in charge of overseeing agribusiness] reports sales nearly every week. I asked him: will you be able to sell more products if we had more supply? He said he would swimmingly!” the head of state said.
“Having a market where we can sell our own agricultural products is the most important thing. And a market with exceptionally high profit margins at that. Agriculture has never seen such prices. Use the current opportunities,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Meanwhile, ministers, members of the government, the prime minister, top government officials, and me will keep you on your toes. It is necessary to use this time to make life better for our peasants. So that they could live a decent life. In good conditions, in good houses. So that their kids would have an opportunity to get good education, go to university like everyone in cities, including in Minsk, can. So that they could occupy a decent position in our society as diligent people, the future, our personnel reserve. You have to agree that peasants, agribusiness workers deserve it. Let's do everything for the sake of our children.”
