Business news

MINSK, 6 December (BelTA) – Belarusian dairy companies should reach the Chinese market faster. Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov gave the relevant instructions during the session of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers, which was held on 6 December to discuss results of export increase and diversification efforts in January-September 2016, BelTA has learned.

According to the Prime Minister, Belarusian foods in Russia still fetch a nice premium, however, the competition from Russian manufacturers is growing stronger. “I wonder why 34 certified Belarusian companies have failed to start delivering dairy products to China,” wondered Andrei Kobyakov.

A lot of hope was attached to the work of specific civil servants, who were assigned to individual countries and regions for the sake of stepping up operations on new promising markets. The Belarusian head of government suggested discussing results of their work and how their work can be improved.

Ensuring the effective operation of existing commercial entities and expanding the overseas distribution network remain high priorities in the export strategy of Belarusian companies. According to the Prime Minister, the proprietary commodity distribution network that comprises over 300 entities in 40 countries should be used as a pillar for stepping up and diversifying export.

Andrei Kobyakov spoke about efforts to ensure the timely payments for Belarusian exports. These matters must always be monitored by heads of industries, regions, and exporting companies. In January-September 2016 the overdue external accounts receivable dropped by $33.8 million in comparison with 1 January 2016 and by $93.7 million in comparison with 1 October 2015. “The task of reducing the overdue external accounts receivable by $100 million in 2016 still stands. It is one of the key demands of the head of state,” reminded the Prime Minister.

By the end of the year it is necessary to reach foreign trade goals and fulfill the export contracts that have been signed. It is also necessary to work out measures to add positive dynamics to export in 2017 and years to come. Andrei Kobyakov said he expected the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give an estimate of Belarus’ export in 2016. The fulfillment of top-level agreements on increasing Belarus’ export to China will be discussed. “I would like to learn what reserves on promising markets in distant-arc countries are available, including in those outside our scope of attention. It is also necessary to pay attention to the dynamics of export to Russia,” said Andrei Kobyakov. “I expect detailed reports about the real situation and concrete proposals to address the problems. If you need support from the central government, don’t be shy, speak your mind. We are ready to hear out constructive proposals.”