08.05.2012
Lukashenko: Belarus copes well with problems
MINSK, 8 May (BelTA) – President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes that Belarus is coping well with the difficult period it is going through. The Belarusian leader made this statement as he delivered the State of the Nation Address on 8 May, BelTA has learnt.
The President noted that despite the biggest rise in oil and gas prices last year the Belarusian economy did not collapse.
“The year 2012 kicked off well. In the first quarter the country managed to reverse the foreign trade deficit. The foreign currency surplus made $1.3 billion. Gold and foreign currency reserves as well as export have been on the rise. The inflation has slowed down. Household income keeps growing. The jobless rate is close to zero,” the President said.
“Even international experts who are not very fond of Belarus admit that we are pursuing a successful crisis management policy,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The head of state emphasized, “We can say that we are coping well with the difficult period in the history of our state”.
At the same time Alexander Lukashenko noted that the last year laid bare many economic woes that should be dealt with immediately.
Belarus should not repeat the mistakes made by European countries that had been hiding their head in the sand for years and shied away from important decisions.
“The major lesson taught by the global crisis is to live within one's means. You should not spend more than you earn. If you have money, you can spend it. If not, you should earn it. Money emission or borrowing is a road to nowhere,” the Belarusian leader said.
Therefore, the President believes that the Belarusian economy should advance to a brand new level.
The President noted that despite the biggest rise in oil and gas prices last year the Belarusian economy did not collapse.
“The year 2012 kicked off well. In the first quarter the country managed to reverse the foreign trade deficit. The foreign currency surplus made $1.3 billion. Gold and foreign currency reserves as well as export have been on the rise. The inflation has slowed down. Household income keeps growing. The jobless rate is close to zero,” the President said.
“Even international experts who are not very fond of Belarus admit that we are pursuing a successful crisis management policy,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The head of state emphasized, “We can say that we are coping well with the difficult period in the history of our state”.
At the same time Alexander Lukashenko noted that the last year laid bare many economic woes that should be dealt with immediately.
Belarus should not repeat the mistakes made by European countries that had been hiding their head in the sand for years and shied away from important decisions.
“The major lesson taught by the global crisis is to live within one's means. You should not spend more than you earn. If you have money, you can spend it. If not, you should earn it. Money emission or borrowing is a road to nowhere,” the Belarusian leader said.
Therefore, the President believes that the Belarusian economy should advance to a brand new level.