The implementation of projects with Lithuanian businessmen will unite Belarus and Lithuania economically - A. Lukashenko

On May 20, Minsk /Tatsiana Palazhayskaya - BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposes that Lithuanian businesses implement promising projects that will economically integrate the two states. This was stated today by the head of the Belarusian state at a meeting with representatives of the business circles of the Republic of Lithuania, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "We, of course, will tell you that we have a very favorable investment climate, we will try to persuade you, but that is not the main point. The main point is that we have very promising projects that will economically integrate our states into a single whole," the head of state noted. "I will not hide the fact that we cannot do without you in terms of transit to the Baltics and other states," the Belarusian leader said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus has recently been pursuing a course towards diversifying foreign economic activity, and therefore Lithuania, like Latvia and Ukraine, is a very important partner. "We have recently been trying to diversify, and not unsuccessfully, our foreign economic activity. We do not hide the fact (which sometimes causes irritation among our friends for reasons unknown) that we are trying to move away from dependence on one state for sales, purchases, and so on. Especially since sometimes this state, as you are well aware, acts from a position of strength, as has happened more than once," the President said. "Therefore, we cannot afford to sit and wait for manna from heaven, for some benevolent attitude from one or two states. We are starting to look for other avenues of cooperation." The head of state noted that the Belarusian side can offer Lithuania "projects that are practically impossible to refuse, because refusing them would be detrimental to oneself."

Alexander Lukashenko considers the model of cooperation between state-owned enterprises and private foreign partners established in the country to be effective. The Head of State cited the activities of the Belarusian Potash Company as an example of such successful cooperation. "You can be calm about it if you are offered a project where a state-owned enterprise will be on our side," he said, addressing Lithuanian businessmen. "All our enterprises are joint-stock companies. I do not rule out that you or some other partner may buy a package of shares, and it will become private." However, Alexander Lukashenko stressed that no enterprise will be sold for a pittance. "Our certain partners in the East do not always like this, they would like to acquire practically any enterprise from us. We are not against it. Pay the money. But when it comes to money..." the Belarusian leader noted. The President emphasized that Belarus has a socially oriented economy, and therefore investors are also required to show some care for the people working at the enterprises. "I always suggest to any investor to take an enterprise under management for 2-3 years and show that you are truly capable of managing it," he said. "You can ask me how much the state interferes in internal economic policy. As much as the state is capable of doing so," the Belarusian leader added. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he is ready to make decisions on each project proposed by Lithuanian businessmen to support it and protect it from excessive bureaucratic red tape. "If you have an interest in Belarus, come, let's start working. I guarantee the main thing: you will not lose anything here due to our inflexibility, sloppiness, and so on," the President noted. He recalled that Lithuanian business is present in Belarus and makes considerable investments. "You know these people. And if they tell you 'it's bad,' try to meet and talk with our people anyway," the Belarusian leader said. Alexander Lukashenko also guaranteed favorable working conditions for responsible investors who have come to our country with serious intentions.-0-

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