Events

MINSK, 15 August (BelTA) – Despite a recent cut on beer imports to Belarus' domestic market, the government still considers its volumes unreasonably high, Premier Mikhail Myasnikovich told media during his visit to Krinitsa Brewery on 14 August to discuss beer industry performance over the past seven months and the fulfillment of the President’s instructions to promote the industry, BelTA has learned.

“Although the import of beer has recently reduced to the country (by 3% - BelTA’s note), we believe that it is still too high,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

The Premier stressed: “Today Belarus has all necessary conditions for the efficient performance of its breweries. We have opened the door to the world’s leading brands to produce and sell their product to the domestic market and abroad.” At the same time, not all the producers perform as they have been expected to.

The government has taken a number of decisions to regulate the activity of breweries. The recent months have showed considerable headway in this area. However, it is still insufficient, the head of government believes.

Speaking about the brewing industry in general, Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that it makes substantial revenue to the budget. Even in 2013, when the brewing industry was weak, it brought about Br1.5 trillion in excise duties. It is nearly 8% of all excise duty revenues.

The Premier’s visit also highlighted the issues pertaining to the foreign economic activity, the implementation of the latest technologies and the expansion of the assortment of the breweries’ products.

As was reported, following the President-chaired meeting on the state and prospects for the national brewing industry chaired, Mikhail Myasnikovich took the implementation of the head of state’s instructions under his personal control. The PM is expected to hear out the relevant report from the heads of the industry and other officials in early September.