Belarusian economic policy for next five years discussed today with President

11 января 2016

The economic policy of Belarus for the next five years was discussed today with the President. First Deputy Prime Minister presented to the Head of State the analysis of the government in view of the current conditions. First of all, the focus is on the relevance, given all the difficulties of the new period. At the same time, according to the Head of State, the priorities are the interests of the people and the production. However, the development program will be coordinated with experts. The government plans to hold a discussion with the public.

Nearly 10% of the total expenditure of the country this year is on education and health. It is traditional for us. Even in such a difficult time, no savings are made when it comes to people and development.

The program of the government and, therefore, the key development goals are set taking into account the world economic news: creation of new jobs, more efficient use of state property and the growth of exports.

First Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Matyushevsky says that there are more than 12 fundamental factors that can affect the development of the Belarusian economy. The government has prepared its vision of economic development with regard to these factors.

The government began preparing the so-called program 16-20 in the middle of last year. The complex document deals with the issues of employment and human development, solutions for export, effective investment and accelerated innovation. However, the program requires broad expert discussion.

First Deputy Prime Minister says that Belarus hopes to start a new program with the International Monetary Fund in January-February this year. Vasily Matyushevsky reminds that recently the country has been visited by a regular IMF mission. The extended fund program is ready. Experts believe that according to the economic scenario that formed the basis for the forecast of the government, the long cheap IMF loan would allow the country to concentrate all efforts on the development.