/ / News
19.01.2012

Export growth ‘among Belarus’ top priorities’

MINSK, 19 January (BelTA) – Export growth is one of the top priorities for Belarus in the near future, Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview to the leading mass media of China ahead of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and China, BelTA has learnt.

Speaking about the country’s further development, the President noted that the economic growth is of utmost importance: “We cannot complain as far as what concerns the economy. Of course there was a certain decline, but we were able to keep afloat together with the People’s Republic of China. It is export growth that we need most of all. The Belarusian economy is very much similar to that of China. We are both short of energy carriers. If China had had its own energy carriers, it would have been a superpower, even bigger than America. But you have to purchase all this. Despite this fact your exports exceed the imports, that is why you post trade surplus.”

The President emphasized that in 2011 Belarus reached a surplus. The trend remains in place this year. Alexander Lukashenko expressed gratitude to Chinese banking specialists who during the difficult period for Belarus really helped the country with recommendations.

“We need to import less and export more. This is our major goal. If we succeed in meeting this goal as you did then we will have no problems. We need to address these fundamental issues: export, import, foreign trade surplus, steady foreign currency inflow. We have already learnt to do it, and we are doing it, including with your help,” the head of state said.