Lukashenko on export diversification: it’s just necessary to roll up sleeves and work
The country has created the necessary conditions for diversifying supplies to foreign markets, while manufacturers should use financial support measures for Belarusian exports as actively as possible – as stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, during today’s meeting focusing on the state and goals of Belarus’ industrial development
In particular, the Head of State underlined, “Today export diversification is the key goal. Everything that is required from me is done immediately for this. The necessary conditions have been created, and you need to use measures of financial support for Belarusian exports as actively as possible.”
According to the President, despite over 90 percent of goods going to Russia, we are losing positions there in traditional Belarusian goods, which have always enjoyed popularity being known for their quality and reliability.
“I’m reported that domestic products are inferior to rivals both in price and quality. The situation with price is understandable. But what about quality?” the President asked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko cited figures, according to which exports of Belarusian tractors dropped by 18 percent in 2023, the share of our tractors in Russian imports fell to 10.6 percent – the lowest level in the last decade – and that of trucks decreased to 6 percent. Similar threatening trends apply to the products of the famous Atlant brand: exports of refrigerators and freezers, which were in demand not long ago, have almost halved.
The Belarusian leader asked what was preventing us from selling our goods and why we were losing the market. Addressing the meeting participants, he stated, “Everyone has heard that in his annual Address the Russian President announced that by 2030 the Russian regions should receive about 40,000 buses, trolleybuses, trams, and electric buses, with money earmarked for this purpose. The task of the Belarusian industry is to connect and provide at least 30 percent of the required volumes. This is our niche. You just need to roll up your sleeves and work. Those days when a tractor or a vehicle can be thrown over the fence waiting for someone to come and take it are long gone. Moreover, in this regard, the Foreign Ministry should come to the forefront, playing a largely decisive role.”
