Events

Speaking about the new First Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Matyushevsky, the President of Belarus noted: "He has a PH.D. in economics, and is well familiar with the economic, financial and banking systems and specifics of the investment activity. I have noticed them (Vasily Matyushevsky and Pavel Kallaur (the new Chairman of the Board of the National Bank – note by BelTA) long ago. When I was an MP I met them through work and closely watched them progressing especially Pavel Kallaur.”

The head of state explained that in due time he endorsed the appointment of Matyushevsky and Kallaur to senior positions in big banks with Russian capital. "Sberbank and VEB (which have subsidiaries in Belarus: BPS-Sberbank and BelVAB – note by BelTA) are very advanced, powerful banks. I wanted them to gain some experience which can be utilized afterwards,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the government should establish effective interaction with the National Bank. "The goal is to ensure, by concerted efforts, the stability and balance in the domestic monetary and financial market and to engage all financial resources for the real production sector.”

Speaking about the new Vice Prime Minister Natalia Kochanova, the President noted that she served as Chairperson of Novopolotsk City Hall. Now she will oversee the social issues in the government. "She knows people’s concerns. I highly count on her practical experience, wisdom and female practicality. It is good that the government will have a person from a region. Her career was connected with addressing concrete everyday concerns of people, particularly in the housing and utilities sector. Whatever difficulties we have to face, the main task of Belarus’ socio-economic policy is care about people,” the president added.

The President expects effective work of the old teams in the government. Vladimir Semashko will remain in charge of coordination of the industrial, fuel and energy sectors. It is very important to successfully complete the projects that are underway, and to ensure the proper return on modernized production facilities, Alexander Lukashenko underlined.

Vladimir Semashko will also oversee the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant and other projects.