Leanid Zaika: It is too early to talk about the buyup of state property

Such small country as Belarus is inherently doomed for the economic intrusion from the side of the major powers. But for now such intrusion is hardly an active one.

This was stated in the talk with the EuroBelarus Information Service by the head of the analytical center “Strategia” (Strategy), an economist Leanid Zaika.

Leanid Zaika believes that the high level of Russian investment into our economy is rather logical, as both our countries lie in the common customs area.

At the same time, it is too early to talk about the global buyup of Belarusan property by the Russian stock, notes the expert: “70 per cent of the property in Belarus falls to the share of state property. And for now Russian business doesn’t buy up anything from us. The buyup will begin from the oil-refining industry and potash fertilizer production”.

There is no doubt that there is a risk to fall under the dependence from the stock of one country, admits the expert. All the more so after Vladimir Putin’s accession to power, when our eastern neighbor got used to influence the decision-making centers in other countries through the business structures. “But any of the small countries will always be a victim of the economic intrusion of the major powers. This is their lot”, - said Leanid Zaika.

So far, according to him, “an adequate process” of investing into the building of enterprises and certain workshops from the Russian side is going on.

The expert doesn’t forecast early sales of state property to Russia in connection with the demands for privatization that are brought to Belarus because of the loan provided by the anti-crisis fund of the Eurasian Economic Community. “What kind of demands? How can they demand anything for $440 million? This all is made up by journalists and young analysts! The property in Belarus will be divided the way it should be: first within the country, and then with all the rest”.

Leanid Zaika doesn’t believe in the ability of the Belarusan authorities to diversify the sources of the foreign investment: “Our officials enjoy travelling to different countries, drinking champagne and put on airs. Of course, they will offer going to the Latin America and Arab countries in search of money. But this is ridiculous. Main investment will come from Russia”.