By Alesya Vysotskaya: In the working schedule of the President in April, there are traditionally two important points - the Annual Address to the people and the parliament and a trip to the areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster. Both events took place this week.
This year’s Address to the people and parliament had its own distinctive features. This was the quintessence of topics that were discussed during the year since the previous address during large-scale events with the participation of the President.
The Belarusian President paid attention to everything that is close to the people - such as salaries and low inflation. The independence of the country is based in its economy. The export figures have been restored. But to achieve success, the Belarusian products must be competitive. Making money on traditional brands is difficult. The country needs implementations, innovations and competent managers, because the state is evading the hyper-guardianship of enterprises.
The task of the executive vertical is to provide all-round assistance to business in creating new productions. It is time for rational proposals for the recovery of the financial market, the influx of investment and the formation of a new business climate.
In terms of exports and new markets, Belarus is fostering relation with Eurasian and European partners, as well as countries of the "long arc", which guarantees the economy’s sustainability. The export strategy of Belarus is fixed on paper. By 2020, the flow of goods to the Eurasian market, Europe and other states should be in equal proportions. The final goal is share of 30% in all directions. Based on the statistics of the previous year, the export rose by 20% and is now recovering gradually. The Russian market is still the main consumer of Belarusian goods. The European Union has the second position. During the year, 17 new markets opened for Belarus.
The present strategic points - such as national security - were touched upon by the President. On the elements of national security is a tough fight against corruption.
Although domestic politics and economics are traditionally the main part of the President’s speech, Alexander Lukashenko also mentioned challenges on the international arena. These were the ongoing conflict in Syria, the dialogue with Europe, strategic partnership with China, as well as the values of the allied project with Russia amid a complex international situation. Alexander Lukashenko also spoke about the Eurasian integration as a successful platform with no barriers and restrictions.
