Events

MINSK, 22 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko believes that competition has a positive impact on trade as it secures reasonable prices. The Belarusian head of state made this statement on 22 July as he met with Chairman of the Board of Directors of OOO Tabak-Invest Pavel Topuzidis to discuss the businessman’s proposals on the promotion of retail trade in Belarus, BelTA has learnt.

“You encourage competition. It is very important for the trade sector and there is a lack of competition now. Competition ensures fair prices,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko spoke about trade in the countryside and small district capitals. In his words, competition can drive prices down in these communities, too. “There are businessmen in Belarus who are ready to take charge of trade in entire regions and rural communities, to reach out to each peasant and make sure that every one of them receives decent customer service. Belkoopsoyuz confronts it vehemently. However, we gave consumer cooperatives time to learn to provide adequate customer service to Belarusian peasants and to set reasonable prices. Indeed, it turns out that products made by peasants are sold in the countryside at higher prices compared to the city,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

“It is clear that logistics and deliveries cost money. However, we need to look for other solutions in order to avoid raising prices for food staples and clothing in the countryside. This should be regulated by the market. For that competition is needed,” the head of state believes.