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Belarus’ successes in import substitution, export promotion lauded

MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko praised the country’s successes in import substitution and export promotion at a meeting with representatives of the National Academy of Sciences on 25 January, BelTA has learned.

“We have done a lot to substitute imports and promote exports, although 20 years ago, not everyone understood and supported my approaches. If we had not adopted this policy then, how would we have been doing today with the so-called sanctions?" the Belarusian leader said.

The head of state cited mechanical engineering as an example: “We have preserved factories, design bureaus, personnel. Today we produce a wide range of equipment that is in demand all over the world. We need to work on the quality. We can solve all the problems.”

Speaking about foreign trade, the president said that Belarus is among the leading food exporters. “Despite the restrictive measures and the global economic downturn caused by lockdowns, we have earned a record high $7 billion on food. We would have earned much more had we been more technological and used Belarusian varieties adapted to our climate. Anyway, we are self-sustainable in terms of food today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Yet, the cooperation between science and manufacturers, universities and technology parks is still insufficient, the head of state believes. "Many instructions have not been fulfilled. What problems are there in this regard? What kind of help and support is needed?" the president asked.

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