Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko urges to ensure technological independence to shield economy against external factors

MINSK, 9 April (BelTA) – It is important  to take measures to ensure maximum technological independence and create conditions for the sustainable operation of the economy that does not depend on sanctions, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a large meeting to discuss the country’s manufacturing outlook at the Palace of Independence on 9 April, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about import substitution, the head of state noted that Belarus can create competitive equipment using domestic materials and components. "There is no need to prove anything. We can," the president stated. However, according to him, in a number of areas, the renewal of products and manufactures has been very slow.

"Every critical position shows our weaknesses. It is on them that competitors then hit with sanctions," Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. “It is necessary to take measures to ensure maximum technological independence and create conditions for the sustainable operation of the economy, which does not depend on any sanctions. This is the strategic task for our manufacturing sector."

The president admitted the possibility of SKD assembly  but only at early stage of a new manufacture .

"We need to build a reliable shield against any external factors. This is another task for everyone. This is why import substitution is so crucial. It must be ongoing," the head of state stressed. This task, according to him, is the number one priority. “Although we talk a lot about this, we must admit that the manufacturing sector has been moving extremely slowly in this direction. The share of imports in Belarusian products is still high.”

"We ask investors to achieve a certain level of localization. They accept these terms and fulfill them. As for our traditional manufactures, the share of  imports in raw materials remains at a high level, the indicators are practically not decreasing from year to year," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state urged to develop strategies in all areas to increase the level of localization: "Communicate the ambitious targets to everyone and ensure they are met."

The president also drew attention to the risks of dependence on foreign hardware and software. "Therefore, the creation of domestic software and its promotion should become an absolute priority for our developers. So far, nothing has been done in this area at all. We continue to use Western software," Aleksandr Lukashenko made a critical remark.

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