Business news

MINSK, 21 April (BelTA) – It is necessary to put more efforts into raising private investments for creating defense products in Belarus. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement in his address to the nation and the parliament on 21 April, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “In 2017 it is necessary to expand the practice of tapping into extra-budgetary financial resources, including private sector money, for creating defense products.”

The influx of investments can help Belarus export more defense products and participate in the development of international manufacturing cooperation schemes. At present the choice of Belarusian defense products is one of the largest in Europe and ranges from direct-effect weapon systems to intelligence and radio warfare solutions, said the head of state.

“However, regardless of how perfect modern weapons can be, the army needs well-trained, patriotic soldiers and officers with strong morale. It is necessary to pay more attention to the quality of personnel training and their patriotic education. Everyone should deeply feel his or her involvement in the protection of the fatherland and responsibility for making the border more secure,” added the president.