Lukashenko: My approaches to privatization remain unchanged

MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – President Alexander Lukashenko said he remains committed to the previous approaches to privatization. He made this announcement at the session of the Council of Ministers held on 1 March to discuss the social and economic development of the country in 2012 and goals for 2013 Belarus, BelTA has learnt.

“You got stuck on privatization. You view foreign direct investment solely as the sale of state property,” the President said.

“My approaches to privatization remain unchanged,” Alexander Lukashenko underlined. “We can sell any asset but there will be no come-and-go sale! The principle is known: want to buy – pay a price and take the obligation to invest in production, save jobs, provide people with decent wages and pay taxes to the budget.”

“There will be no bureaucratic privatization. There will be no behind-the-doors sales to large businesses," the President said. "And with that, let’s put an end to talks about privatization," underscored Alexander Lukashenko.