Belarus meets trade surplus target in 2012

MINSK, 15 February (BelTA) - In 2012, Belarus posted the surplus in foreign trade in goods and services, Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said at the enlarged session of Foreign Ministry to sum up the work results in 2012.

Vladimir Makei noted that the year 2012 was not an easy one given the continued pressure on Belarus from the outside, and the unstable situation in the international economy. “Despite this, the task set by the President to achieve a surplus in foreign trade in goods and services has been fulfilled,” the minister said.

Vladimir Makei suggested focusing attention on a strategic component, i.e. an analysis of the foreign economic activity, inter-agency cooperation efficiency. “We need to look into opportunities of adjusting our actions if needed in order to achieve the goals and tasks set forth by the head of state,” the minister said.

Attending the event, apart from diplomats, are Belarus’ Premier Mikhail Myasnikovich, heads of several government bodies, companies and organizations. The issue which is to highlight the meeting is the implementation of Belarus’ plans regarding the development of trade and economic cooperation with other countries. The participants of the meeting will consider measures necessary to strengthen Belarus’ positions on foreign markets and the ways to attract foreign direct investment to the country. According to Vladimir Makei, the participants of the meeting will take stock of the country’s performance in 2012 and outline future goals. Speeches will be made by the Belarusian PM, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Guryanov, Belarusian ambassadors to Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.