Lukashenka: Don’t look at strikes of some vendors

Aliaksandr Lukashenka demanded to create equal conditions for state-owned, private and foreign retailers this year.

He set such task yesterday, on February 9, when meeting with Trade Minister Uladzimir Kaltovich.

The government should ignore market vendors' resentment and move ahead with plans to secure an even playing field for all retailers in Belarus, Aliaksandr Lukashenka told.

«Do things that would create equal conditions for state-owned, private and foreign retailers,» BelTA quoted the head of state saying.

“Don't mind the strikes staged by some self-employed market vendors or someone else. Last year we reached a clear-cut agreement! We are not kids to be fooled, moreover, I am not the one to be fooled. We have reached the agreement and should follow this policy,” said the President.

“It is necessary to understand that those, who import all kinds of clothes to Belarus, including good quality products if they come from Turkey, China, Russia and so on, do as much damage to our economy, the light industry. It will not grow like that. Moreover, without documents and certificates. Unimaginable! We are legalizing bandits and criminals like that! We give a go-ahead to some people and yet we put in prison other people for doing the same things,” assumes Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

“And then they have to understand that merchandise certification is but the first step. We are going to take all the steps this year. Retailers will be allowed to sell merchandise only if they have all the certificates and papers. They will not be able to trade without those,” stressed the head of state.

The President noted that from now on this kind of business will be under control. “Then the light industry and the retail industry in Belarus will have equal terms for everyone — for self-employed businessmen, other private enterprises, and state-run enterprises. They always demand equal treatment. Here is some equal treatment for you,” concluded the head of state.