Business news

PM: Belarus’ transport industry operates steadily in difficult conditions

MINSK, 2 November (BelTA) - The Belarusian transport industry has been operating steadily in difficult conditions, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers to discuss the operation of the transport industry in 2021 and plans for 2022, BelTA has learned.

"For the second year now, the transport sector has been operating in difficult conditions due to both the epidemiological situation and certain external factors. Nevertheless, it has steadily met the main indicators of social and economic development, including the consolidated targets of state programs,” Roman Golovchenko noted. “As for the aviation industry, it is operating under conditions associated with restrictions against Belavia and other air carriers in Belarus. The situation in the aviation sector remains stable, which is attested by the results of its performance in January-September".

The prime minister paid special attention to foreign economic activity in the transport sector. “Transport services, taking into account pipeline transport, are still one of the main sources of foreign exchange earnings for the country. They make up more than 40% of total exports of services and the foreign trade surplus in services. The key performance indicator of the Transportation and Communications Ministry - export of transportation services – was up 19% in January-August 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The positive dynamics, however, must be expanded,” he stressed.

According to Roman Golovchenko, there are a number of issues which need to be addressed in the transport sector. These include the needs of the country’s shippers of goods in the transportation of goods by rail, socially important passenger transportation, development of water transport, its efficiency and competitiveness, maintenance and updating of rolling stock, development of transportation infrastructure. The meeting also highlighted the readiness of the industry to implement major investment projects.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks