Opinions & Interviews

PM announces goals of Belarus’ competition program

MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) – Removing barriers and cutting down on excessive regulation are the priority goals of the competition program which is under development in Belarus, Prime Minister Sergei Rumas said at the international conference to discuss ways to develop competition in industry markets in Minsk on 13 November, BelTA has learned.

“The competition program for the medium term is the most important document [on competition development]. We are currently finalizing the document. This task is both difficult and vital for us,” Sergei Rumas said.

The Belarusian head of government believes that the state policy in the field of competition should focus on two main areas. The first one is to open markets and reduce the share of the state where it is economically feasible and where it does not contradict economic security. These processes should be accompanied by the efforts to remove barriers for business. The second one is to protect the foundations and principles of competition by government bodies of all levels and to advocate competition in the country.

“The program will outline the priorities and main areas for the development of the competition policy in the country. They will include general improvement of the competitive environment by reducing unjustified barriers, providing the mechanisms to prevent excessive regulation, developing infrastructure and ensuring its accessibility for market participants,” the prime minister said.

According to Sergei Rumas, developed and developing countries see the protection and development of competition as one of their top priorities. Belarus is no exception. The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) was set up in the country three years ago. This has become a positive signal for investors and businesses. “Promoting competition has become part of the state policy and a conscious necessity while the antimonopoly authority has become one of the key instruments of market regulation and control,” the PM said.

The law to counter monopolistic activities and promote competition was updated in 2018. MART took an active part in the development of regulations to liberalize the business environment. Additional opportunities have been provided to boost trade in rural areas. Laws on public procurement are being further fine-tuned. Today, MART is busy with updating the law on state regulation of trade and also the draft decree to counteract monopolization in trade.

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