Business news

MINSK, 23 November (BelTA) – The state is ready to sell enterprises to foreign investors but only if it is profitable for the country. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko gave the relevant instructions on 23 November during the national conference held to discuss the effectiveness of the civil engineering industry, BelTA has learned.

The head of state touched upon matters of cooperation with foreign companies. In his words, for more than five years he has been quoted various sources saying foreign capital is interested in investing in the production of construction materials. “We are ready to sell everything. Not a problem. Price is the stumbling block. And before we get to the price, we need to know whether we need to sell. If we decide we need to sell something, including to a foreign investor, then the line of reasoning is understandable. Price is the first thing to consider,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the president, when an investor is interested in buying some Belarusian enterprise, the question of what will happen to the workers is raised. And the investor is often intent on firing many of them. “When I ask what I am going to do with these people, I get no answer. We don’t need proposals like that. People are the key thing,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. “I want to receive only comprehensive proposals if you are sure they are truly effectively and profitable for us. The Council of Ministers should take care of it by 31 December 2018.”