The head of the Belarusian Ministry of Economy Nikolai Snopkov said that average salaries in Belarus would make at least 80% of average earnings of the European countries in a four-year's time. This was stated by the minister on January 31 during a meeting of the Council of Ministers to discuss the draft program of socio-economic development for 2011-20115.
To achieve this goal, the Belarusian authorities are going to increase the gross domestic product by 1.62-1.68 by 2015 against 2010, BelTA informs.
Minister of Economy also noted that it’s necessary to create conditions to ensure a decent level of income of the economically active population for the transition of the republic to an innovative path of development.
Wage Growth to Increase Utility Bills’ Payment, Miasnikovich
However, Prime Minister Mikhail Miasnikovich said that wage growth as a goal, not supported by other components, might lead to the problems, which used to exist — income would exceed the growth in labor productivity. «Wages and salaries are a derivative of productivity. Accordingly, wages must be earned,» said Mikhail Miasnikovich.
Wage increase will raise the amount of payments for housing and communal services, which are now covered by cross-subsidies or state subsidies. «We plan to reach at least 60% of public utility bills’ payments at the end of the five-year plan, electricity and gas — 100%, including 100% in engineering community services. This will influence the expenditure of the population to some extent,» said Mikhail Miasnikovich.
