MINSK, 12 August (BelTA) - Belarus has produced its first gold coin, Chairman of Belarus’ National Bank Roman Golovchenko said as he reported to the head of state on the development of the banking system in Minsk on12 August, BelTA learned.
“I'd like to begin with what might seem like a small, but symbolic moment...” Roman Golovchenko started his report.
“Did you bring the money?” Aleksandr Lukashenko quipped.
“I was actively involved in import substitution efforts when I worked in the government, and I intend to continue this work. As everyone knows, the National Bank actively issues commemorative and investment coins, including those made from precious metals. I was surprised to learn that all of them are minted abroad. Produced to the National Bank's order, but abroad. First we did it in the European Union, then in friendly countries like China, Russia, and Kazakhstan,” Roman Golovchenko stated.
The head of the National Bank explained that when minting coins abroad, the central bank is also expected to purchase the precious metals locally: "Meanwhile, our own raw materials (scrap precious metals) remain unused. So the finance minister and I thought: why can't we do this ourselves?”
Roman Golovchenko highlighted that Gomel-based Kristall jewelry plant underwent minor upgrades and minted its first gold coin, named Slavyanka. Roman Golovchenko presented this coin to the Belarusian president, noting: “It's entirely made in Belarus from Belarusian raw materials, so to say.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko has instructed to hand the first coin made from Belarusian raw materials over to the museum of the Palace of Independence. ‘The first coin is, after all. It is highly significant and symbolic. Later, we will transfer it to the new museum [National History Museum currently under construction],” the Belarusian leader said.
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