Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 December (BelTA) – Unwarranted inspections of private companies must stop. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with representatives of the Belarusian business community on 22 December, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “Representatives of oversight and law enforcement agencies often drop by without any reason. I want the practice to stop.”

Alexander Lukashenko stated that work to straighten out things in this sphere began in Belarus in 2009. “Back then major Belarusian companies complained that inspectors would come one after another. The practice was stopped. At least decisions were made in favor of making integral inspections. The State Control Committee started coordinating them. But, unfortunately, things did not get much better although steps in the right direction were made,” said the president.

“Now as part of scheduled inspections inspectors arrive in swarms and every one of them demands attention,” noted the head of state. Such an inspection can paralyze the company for two to three months. Meanwhile, the inspectors examine the same things as a matter of fact.

Alexander Lukashenko instructed Chairman of the State Control Committee Leonid Anfimov to make sure the decisions to improve oversight and inspection efforts get fulfilled. “Remember that wise organization of the oversight system is a vital factor for bringing in investors. Life itself wants us to optimize the number of inspectors and revise their guidelines. This is why the decree on improving oversight and inspection activities has been passed. It is necessary to shift the focus of auditing agencies towards the prevention of violations,” stressed the president.

“Oversight agencies should stay away from bona fide commercial entities. I want understandable albeit rigid criteria for that. For instance, if employment at a company is on the rise, if tax payments grow, people earn good money, if no complaints are filed, stay away from it!” said the head of state.

Random checks should be organized only if information about violations has been documented. “If your tip fails to produce results, blame yourselves. If you detect violations, issue instructions to fix them unless criminal violations are detected. But keep the company running. Its manager should take responsibility and think how he or she should respond to your remarks,” said Alexander Lukashenko.