Lukashenko holds meeting to discuss measures to ensure sustainable operation of economy, social sector

The meeting at the Palace of Independence is attended by top-ranking government officials, governors and aides to the president. “We have gathered together to discuss measures to ensure the sustainable operation of the economy and the social sector. First of all, such crucial sectors as healthcare and education. We need to make a number of prompt decisions on pending issues,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the beginning of the meeting.

He remarked that the world had changed beyond recognition in the past four months. “Allies, whose borders were open for decades, who maintained good relations with each other, reinstated those borders overnight and destroyed relations. This pertains to the whole world, you can see it. But people and those irretrievable losses in people's relations are the main things. The global economy is currently under pressure from an unsolved problem – the so-called pandemic. Obviously, it also affects our country,” the head of state said.

The president emphasized that Belarus – a country an export-oriented economy – cannot fully isolate itself from the influence on its economy and on the way of life of its people. The country has utilized all available resources to fight the new infection, and the volume of these resources is commensurable with the existing threat, Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “We are responding adequately without exaggerations,” he added.

The government suggested determining those industries which will be affected the most by the slowdown in economic activities and a smaller demand. A package of measures which has been submitted to the president includes regulations in taxation, leasing and labor relations, other sensitive aspects.

“There will be recommendations for governors and certain enterprises which the government is in charge of. If we allocate certain funds for the economy, the money will be distributed by governors. It was their demand. They say they will decide whether they will support a store, a synthetic fiber manufacturer, or a carpet factory. They are right, they know better, if we give these funds to anybody. We should not divide this money into small portions from Minsk. It makes no sense. It is good that regions will handle it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

However, the head of state deems it necessary to stimulate people and especially small business. “Restaurants should deliver food to enterprises and people's homes without inflating prices. We asked elderly people to stay home, and they need food. Many families in self-isolation also need food. And some restaurants have started doing it, while other facilities are doing noting and are waiting for what we will give them. Nobody will give anything to anybody. If somebody wants us to give something, they need to tell us where we should take it. We cannot take anything away from people who are now working really hard and give it to those who are doing nothing. This will never happen,” the president stressed.