Events

MINSK, 25 August (BelTA) – Any way of de-bureaucratization is the right way, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he heard out a report on the improvement of the order of licensing of certain activities and on stepping up control in this field on 25 August, BelTA has learned.

“Any way of de-bureaucratization is the right way. However, there are always limits which we cannot break through in the current situation, at the current stage of development,” the head of state emphasized. He also noted that a major priority is to prevent the safety violations similar to those found at Pinskdrev Holding Company. “These rules cannot be simplified,” the head of state said. In his opinion, special attention should be drawn to the occupational safety.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that a lot has been said recently about the creation of favorable business environment and normal transparent doing business conditions. The participants of the meeting discuss the amendments which can be introduced to the presidential decrees with regards to licensing.

For example, there are plans to introduce continuous licenses instead of licenses valid for only 5 to 10 years. It is also planned to reduce the number of documents necessary for obtaining licenses. Applicants will be able to file their requests to licensing bodies via mail or e-mail. One of the proposals suggests that only courts will be authorized to annul licenses.

Alexander Lukashenko asked a reasonable question: “Are the proposed methods efficient? If they help cut red tape and lift excessive administrative barriers, we will go this way,” the President said. He also stressed that licensing is needed to ensure the quality and safety of services and goods.