Instrument of privatization should not be considered as a means of closing gaps. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. "The principles of privatization have long been known. And I demand their strict implementation. But, please, don't forget that the instrument of privatization should not be considered as a means to close gaps. It is primarily a way to attract direct investment in economic development," he said.
The President also recalled the need to work towards effective engagement of the unused property in the turnover, as well as the effective point of privatization of the state property, BelTA informs.
«You will answer next year for the way all spare capacity, production and non-production have been used in our country, — the president said at a meeting with the new Government and the newly appointed officials. — I ordered it three years ago. Let’s see what you’ll have done in this direction in five years. You have to involve everyone. Give even for a mere pittance at times. But the main thing is to produce goods at every square meter of unused space.»
At the same time Alexander Lukashenko highlighted the issues of foreign trade, stressing that «the major problem is still its balance.» The president said that everyone’s responsible this task — the government, the National Bank, as well as heads of particular companies.
Government should Substantially Exceed Growth Rate of Exports over Imports, Lukashenko
The President also noted that last year’s negative foreign trade balance in goods and services amounted to almost $7.5 billion. Only the imported goods made nearly $10 billion more than was the exports, added Alexander Lukashenko.
«The task for 2011 is the unconditional implementation of the approved critical parameter for the merchandise trade balance. The government should ensure a considerable excess of the rate growth of exports over imports,» Alexander Lukashenko said, adding that «this problem can be solved by the GDP import reduction and active export growth.»
According to the president, in order to reduce the import «one should take comprehensive measures to improve energy efficiency and restore order to the consumption of materials to get closer to the level of the developed European countries.»
Alexander Lukashenko called the export of services as a further provision to reduce the deficit.
