07.10.2011
Lukashenko: No economic crisis in Belarus
MINSK, 7 October (BelTA) – Belarus has no global economic crisis, only some issues on the currency market, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told a press conference for Russian reporters on 7 October, BelTA has learnt.
The head of state was asked about Belarus’ crisis management plan. “You mentioned crisis. I have never said a word about it. We had certain issues with foreign currency. Crisis is when everything collapses, the economy, first of all. When people do not have jobs and salaries,” the President said. Belarus’ GDP in 2011 has increased by 10% over the same period of last year. Besides, the country has a deficit of workforce. “We need more workers today,” he added.
“I am not sprinkling ashes on my head over the currency issues and steep devaluation and I advice others against it,” the President said. He explained that this situation was caused by the lack of foreign currency. One of the reasons for it was panic buying of cars spurred by the forthcoming increase in car import duties. About $3 billion was taken out of Belarus for this purpose. “Those are the three billions that we needed,” the Belarusian leader said.
“Some people made the whole thing worse, including Russian mass media and some officials that are no longer there, by trying to throw our country into this frenzy. You know what effect rumors can have on the national currency,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The head of state was asked about Belarus’ crisis management plan. “You mentioned crisis. I have never said a word about it. We had certain issues with foreign currency. Crisis is when everything collapses, the economy, first of all. When people do not have jobs and salaries,” the President said. Belarus’ GDP in 2011 has increased by 10% over the same period of last year. Besides, the country has a deficit of workforce. “We need more workers today,” he added.
“I am not sprinkling ashes on my head over the currency issues and steep devaluation and I advice others against it,” the President said. He explained that this situation was caused by the lack of foreign currency. One of the reasons for it was panic buying of cars spurred by the forthcoming increase in car import duties. About $3 billion was taken out of Belarus for this purpose. “Those are the three billions that we needed,” the Belarusian leader said.
“Some people made the whole thing worse, including Russian mass media and some officials that are no longer there, by trying to throw our country into this frenzy. You know what effect rumors can have on the national currency,” Alexander Lukashenko said.