Kosinets calls for more efforts to promote export, replace import

Alexander Kosinets

MINSK, 26 February (BelTA) – More efforts are needed to promote efficient exports and rational import substitution, Head of the Belarusian President Administration Alexander Kosinets said as he spoke to the participants of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee meeting held on 26 February to consider the social and economic development of Minsk Oblast in 2015 and its five-year development plan, BelTA has learned.

According to Alexander Kosinets, the export growth in Minsk Oblast made up 77% last year. In his words, not all possible reserves were used to rectify the situation. “With the markets in Russia shrinking, steps should have been taken to diversify exports, search for new markets,” said the Head of the Belarusian President Administration. He reminded the meeting participants that there are over 50 Belarusian embassies in other countries that have also been instructed to promote export with a view to replenishing the country's gold and forex reserves. “Close attention should be paid to sister cities. We are doing our best to secure efficient exports and rational import substitution. We will be able to substitute a big group of goods,” Alexander Kosinets added.

Alexander Kosinets said that Minsk Oblast imported mineral water worth $9.5 million last year. This is much considering that the country produces similar goods. According to Alexander Kosinets, another example is the import of pharmaceuticals for $70 million. “We need our pharmaceutical industry to start producing analogous medicines and we also need to identify and eliminate the reasons why these drugs are not produced,” he said.

According to Alexander Kosinets, further development of the industry requires a serious and responsible approach. He drew attention to the high share of Belaruskali in the country's industry and noted the need to increase the share of the enterprises of machine building industry, automotive components, electronics, construction and others.

The head of the President Administration also drew attention to the increase in the amount of the overdue receivables in Minsk Oblast to Br9.9 trillion and urged to settle this problem. Alexander Kosinets also spoke on the need to provide employment, create jobs and develop population settlements.

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