Belarus has taken an active stance in promoting its products, Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky told media during a visit to Mogilev-based chemical company Mogilevkhimvolokno on January 20. It is not just a statement but hard work of people from the premier to heads of companies: everyone should trade and seek ways to sell products and earn hard currency for the country, said the head of government. “This is why we are absolutely confident that the present situation is manageable and the government will do its best to preserve stability in the country”. Sergei Sidorsky underscored, today it is important to keep the accumulated economic development momentum. According to estimates, especially those made in January 2009, Belarus may be the only country where industrial enterprises did not stop their work. “Our Russian partners started working on January 15 only. Products are still not shipped to Ukraine,” added the Prime Minister. He also explained, due to the plunge of the US dollar exchange rate in neighbouring countries in late 2008 earnings from Belarusian industry exports sharply declined. This is why in order to support the export-oriented economy, the Belarusian government had to take unpopular measures [the Belarusian ruble devaluation — BelTA]. Meanwhile, well-considered steps were made to reduce the tax burden on the industry as well as small and medium businesses. Thus the economy has preserved almost Br2 trillion. “We hope the companies will use the money in a fair manner,” said the Prime Minister.

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