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Belarusian government considering selling state shares in mobile carrier BeST

MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – The state is considering the possibility of selling shares in the mobile carrier BeST (life:) trademark). The matter was discussed during the government conference held by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 27 February to discuss development prospects of the Belarusian telecommunication services market, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “Some of the basic things that affect the speed and scale of informatization are the state and the degree of development of the data transfer infrastructure. While Belarus is ranked 21st in the world as far as fixed broadband is concerned, the mobile segment of the telecommunication market lags behind for now. This is why we have to deal with it today. One of the matters I’d like to discuss with you in the course of making decisions is the expansion of investment cooperation with global leaders in this sphere.”

The head of state did not specify which companies he was referring to but noted that it was necessary to encourage competition in the sphere of telecommunications. “Although we have it already. We don’t have one company. We have two large ones and a third company, which requests support. We are talking about privatizing several percent owned by the state in [the mobile carrier] BeST,” explained the president.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that privatization processes should proceed in line with the law. “There are universally accepted practices. Everything should proceed in line with the law. We want to sell. Someone wants to buy. Let’s go ahead and trade. Let’s call a tender. Whoever pays most will get it. A universal practice. There may be an investor, who can surprise us and suggest extremely advantageous terms. We can accept that. This is why let’s discuss these matters with regard to specific companies and make the relevant conclusions,” concluded the head of state.

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