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Accomplishments of Belarusian agriculture praised

MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – As far as Belarusian agriculture is concerned, the key problem has been resolved: agriculture supplies enough food for the people. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with representatives of the general public and expert community, Belarusian and foreign mass media on 1 March, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “I’ve been heavily criticized for reviving the countryside but today it is an internationally recognized project. Our sales are as large as $5.5 billion. I quoted an example a short time ago: in the first year of my presidency Minsk had enough flour only for three days, there was nothing to bake bread from. We no longer have such problems today. Yes, we’ve invested heavily in agriculture. Maybe not everything works effectively yet. But as far as agriculture is concerned, we’ve resolved the key problem: we no longer beg for a piece of bread to feed the people.”

The president remarked that he keeps an eye on all the projects being implemented in the country. “Any matter, any project has to be evaluated. It is necessary to think about all aspects when decisions are made. It is necessary to think about how things will be tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. It is not easy. There is no lobbying. You can’t barge in the Finance Ministry and get funding right away. Out of the question. Every project has to be approved by the president. Yes, it is a lot of work. Yes, maybe the president doesn’t have to do it all but there is no other way. Getting results, reviving the economy of an enterprise is what matters for me. And I can see results,” the head of state underlined.

Alexander Lukashenko disproved allegations that law enforcement agencies interfere with the operation of commercial entities in Belarus. Their job is to control the fulfillment of laws, to make sure that taxes are paid in full first and foremost. “If someone harasses a business… No law enforcer can afford doing that considering my policy. They are not part of clans or groups. They answer to the head of state although I didn’t know anyone before they were appointed. I have no buddies. As a matter of fact I have no friends in positions of power. Stop dropping hints about business harassment and clans. It won’t happen,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.

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