Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has convened a meeting to discuss ways to accelerate work on key investment projects with foreign countries, BelTA has learned.
The head of state noted that he regularly undertakes foreign visits. A recent example is a major trip that took him to Russia, China, Indonesia and Myanmar. Belarusian delegations are always well received in various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Such visits deliver tangible economic benefits, as specific and significant cooperation agreements are reached at the level of heads of state.
“Such trips yield considerable results,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “But I am concerned that red tape may drown all these efforts.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko cited as an example the agreement with Oman on building a pulp and paper mill in Belarus. The implementation of this project has been insufficiently active, despite its importance. “This is something we badly need. From the air, I can see that we are not keeping up with processing the timber as it ripens. We must process this raw material in a reasonable manner and without resorting to overly sophisticated solutions. This is our national treasure,” the Belarusian leader said, commenting on the project’s significance. “We agreed that we would do this and that. Quite some time has passed. The government reports: we have signed a memorandum, we are considering it, we are planning it … How long are we going to keep planning?”
Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why he decided to convene the responsible officials and hear how important agreements are being implemented: “The main thing is the economy, [it’s] the foundation. We cannot allow [the agreements reached during these visits], particularly those at the highest level, to become mired in bureaucracy or to yield no tangible outcomes. Beyond that, ministers and the prime minister also make trips of their own.”
The head of state also described the meeting as an element of presidential oversight over the implementation of key agreements with foreign countries, specifically investment projects, both those in Belarus and Belarusian projects abroad.
“In terms of exports, our enterprises performed well at the start of this year. During the recent major visit, our country also received many kind words and a number of plans were outlined,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “At the same time, it has long been known that for successful market entry, especially in distant markets, simple trade is no longer enough. The task is being addressed through cooperation, moving final production closer to consumers, and setting up local or joint logistics and production facilities. The tools to achieve these goals are available, and much has been done in recent months.”
