MOSCOW, 12 March (BelTA) – We call on the CIS countries not to close from each other in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and not to engage in protectionism, Belarus' Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the CIS Economic Council Igor Petrishenko said as he addressed the plenary session of the international economic forum "CIS - 30 Years”, BelTA has learned.
"Reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, not excluding its next outbreaks, we call on the CIS member states to strengthen cooperation, not to close from each other and not to engage in protectionism in trade,” Igor Petrishenko stressed. "Together we will be able to do more, and together it will be easier for us to overcome the economic recession and the social problems associated with it."
2020 has taught us to live in the harsh conditions of the new reality, Igor Petrishenko said. "Although Belarus did not impose tough lockdowns, it also found itself in a difficult economic situation due to the contraction of foreign markets and openness of the economy," the deputy prime minister said. “It is gratifying that the CIS countries are gradually rebuilding their economies. Last year the GDP of Belarus was 99.1% of what it was a year earlier while we aimed for 2.8% growth. In the face of a number of external and internal factors, challenges and threats, the government is inclined to view this result as satisfactory and the situation in the economy and financial sector as balanced and manageable."
Igor Petrishenko also urged to ease the movement of citizens between CIS countries amid COVID-19.
