Opinions & Interviews

MOGILEV, 22 June (BelTA) – Development of digital economy will increase competitiveness of Belarus and Russia on the global market, Marianna Shchetkina, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, said at a roundtable session to discuss transition to digital economy on 22 June, BelTA has learned.

According to Marianna Shchetkina, in the age of computerization and high technology, digital economy has an impact on virtually all aspects of life. “Taking into account foreign policy developments and global trends, the Union State is facing an issue of global competitiveness and national security. Digital economy can help deal with this issue,” the MP emphasized.

She believes that digital economy is just a set of instruments, while most of the work is done by people. Therefore, a focus should be placed on personnel training and qualifications improvement. “We need out-of-the-box thinkers and self-starters able to build a new modern society and make a difference,” Marianna Shchetkina believes.

She deems it necessary to synchronize and update the legislations of the two countries. “We need to come up with laws that would make things easier for economic operators and all those who promote digital economy. At the same time, we need to take into account long-term development prospects of this sector that puts creativity at the heart of everything,” the MP emphasized.

The meeting took place at Mogilevliftmash as part of the preparations for the 5^th edition of the Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia. Taking part in the meeting were MPs, representatives of the Economy Ministry, the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee and the Mogilev City Executive Committee, scientists, business people and experts from Russia.