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Belarus, Russia yet to reconcile programs on gas, taxes

MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia need to agree upon two Union State programs – on the formation of the common gas market and harmonization of tax laws, Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, BelTA has learned.

“Only two out of 28 Union State programs remain pending. These are programs on the formation of the common gas market and the harmonization of tax legislation. We have made very significant progress in drafting these two programs. Earlier the idea to develop a Union State program on improving tax legislation was completely rejected, while now the parties are consistently working on harmonizing tax legislation,” Vladimir Makei said.

According to him, the dispute is about the time frame: what should be up and running earlier or maybe everything should be launched at the same time. “These are technicalities that can be resolved. In any case, these programs will give a new impetus to integration. It is important to find win-win solutions based on the principles laid down in the Treaty on the Union State,” he added.

The programs are expected to be approved by the Supreme State Council of the Union State scheduled for autumn. “The date has not been set yet. The decision will be finalized after it is approved by the Supreme State Council. However, before that, this decision should be discussed by all respective ministries, be passed by the Union State government and approved by the Supreme State Council,” the minister said.

Vladimir Makei called the formation of the common economic space an important goal for the two countries. “It is a paradox that our countries create manufacturing facilities that overlap and compete with each other. We need to coordinate our work in our markets and the markets of third countries and to join efforts. The Union State programs are about developing common policies across many areas, which would allow us to effectively cooperate and effectively work as partners with third countries,” he said.

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