Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, told in an interview to MIR TV company, that the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan not to work in full regime from July. According to the Russian government, it would be stymied by unresolved issues "of some parameters of economic interaction" between the countries.
With regard to problematic issues from Belarusian side, the Russian prime minister singled out the sphere of automobile industry. «Russia has the plans to develop its automobile industry, support to the existing and develop new enterprises. And we, when we were working out these plans, reached certain agreements with investors who had come to our customs territory, and organized the production, created jobs, brought new technologies. We promised them that we would keep a certain level of customs protection on importing new and even used cars to our territory. This is especially important in times of crisis, because if we «shift» from these positions, the future of some our enterprises will be in doubt. For us, it is essential», Vladimir Putin said.
«The future of special economic zones is also in doubt. Especially, which having customs preferences. One thing, when we import goods or components in these zones with subsequent processing, add a surplus value of 50 percent or more. Another thing, when we carry out so-called «screwdriver» that is the minimum assembly, we do not almost add a surplus value», the prime minister said.
«One thing is when, after the production of goods, we export them to our customs territory with a customs duty whether on parts or on finished product. Another, if we let the goods come out without customs duties. That, in essence, means to put in doubt the existence of certain industries in Russia. After all, if we allow to import to our customs territory these or that goods without, in fact, customs duties, then it is to have long-term consequences», Russian prime minister said.
Belarus did not ask to review the price of energy, Putin
The head of the Russian government also denied the journalist’s statement that Belarus had raised questions about new benefits for energy.
‘We have two problems. One of them is the problem of export duties on crude oil. But having in mind our special relations with Belarus and wishing to support the people of Belarus and Belarusian economy, we provided benefits for the republic’s internal needs in full amount, supplying 6.3 million tons of crude oil for domestic consumption in Belarus. It was duty-free. But our colleagues would like us to expand this benefit. But that’s another story», Vladimir Putin said.
Belarus underpays for gas, Putin
With regard to Belarus’ wish that gas prices would also be with discount by analogy with the agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine, the prime minister of the Russian Federation said that «gas prices for Belarus are preferential as well, they are more favorable than for Ukraine, even after our agreements on Sevastopol and the Black Sea fleet».
«So, today for a thousand cubic meters Ukraine pays 234 dollars, and Belarus -180 dollars. This is the lowest price in the CIS. Ukraine, as you see, pays more, even after the discount», stated the head of the Russian government.
«The problem is that two or three years ago, we agreed with our Belarusian friends that in gas trade we will gradually move to European formula for calculating the price. But in order not to make this blow so strong for Belarusian economy, we agreed that we would provide a discount. The first year, the payment is to be 75% of the total price, then — 80%, after that 90% and 100%. In 2011 we were to reach full pricing», Russian prime minister said.
«But our Belarusian friends addressed us asking to keep the price options and discounts of 2008. And in 2009 we did it. Then they told us that they would make two steps forward after that. That time, I said that it would be difficult to achieve, but they insisted on, and we agreed. Now they unilaterally pay us at the price of 2008. We are underpaid. There accumulated some debt. But it’s still the problem of economic entities, and I hope that at this level this problem will be solved «, Vladimir Putin said.
