Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) - The small and medium-sized business, and the public-private partnership (PPP) are a source of economic growth in Belarus, Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich told reporters before the meeting of the council for cooperation of local self-government bodies, BelTA has learned.

"With regard to the points of economic growth, there is very great potential in small and medium-sized business, public-private partnership. When the economy is not only about large enterprises, not only about traditional industries but also new growing enterprises, then we will have a sustained economic growth. I would like to emphasize that the new industries and enterprises should not be instead, but should complement the things we already have,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

He also noted that in Belarus there are a number of businesses that, for reasons beyond their control, have found themselves in a severe economic situation. First of all, their main partners are located in Russia and Ukraine. “We need to help these enterprises to diversify the production, find ways to new markets. These things are, perhaps most important in such a situation,” Mikhail Myasnikovich noted.

Mikhail Myasnikovich also said that the monitoring group which he leads will have two main objectives: to inform people and labor collectives of the decisions taken by the president and the government and to receive feedback. He noted that the group will work closely with the government. "We have a common cause. This work is directed at the overall result, namely the stabilization of the economy and its development,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

As was reported by BelTA, the decision to set up the monitoring group headed by the Chairman of the Council of the Republic was taken by the head of state following the meeting on the pressing economic issues on 26 February. The group will develop specific proposals on the issues of socio-economic development of the country.