Lukashenko promises consistent wage increases

MINSK, 15 December (BelTA) - Income of Belarusians will increase consistently, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said when speaking at the permanent seminar for senior officials of the national and local authorities “Import substitution as an essential factor in ensuring balanced development of the economy of the Republic of Belarus”.

“Incomes, salaries and pensions will be raised consistently. Early in 2012 we will raise them again,” the head of state said.

“Our producers should make their best to make sure that people spend raises to their income on domestic goods,” the President stressed.

In his words, it is important that we do not get complacent about positive trends in foreign trade this year. “The cost of the import has sharply increased due to the changes in the Belarusian ruble exchange rate. Therefore we have started buying less overseas and have boosted our exports. This, however, will not last for ever,” Alexander Lukashenko said.