Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Choosing Belarusian goods is a matter of national security

MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – For Belarusians, choosing between domestic and foreign products is a matter of national security, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in his Address to the Belarusian People and Parliament during the second session of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress on 18 December, BelTA has learned.

The head of state drew attention to priorities in improving the consumer market.

“For us Belarusians, choosing between domestic and foreign products is (should be) a matter of national security,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

“Many still cannot overcome the stereotype of the ‘elitism’ of imports. But this is not the result of experience. It is a tool of brainwashing, which was quite successfully used even in Soviet society, particularly in the later stage of that era,” the president added.

He emphasized that the quality of goods produced by Belarusians has been and remains among the best in the world. However, there are shortcomings in how Belarusians position themselves in their own market, the head of state believes.

“Perhaps Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and others are more popular elsewhere. Perhaps their products are of higher quality. However, is it forbidden to wear Belarusian clothing? Will people ‘strip you’ in the street? Is it unpleasant to look at?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked rhetorically, and his words were met with applause from the audience. The president went on saying that many of the very wealthy people he has encountered dress quite simply and modestly, as flaunting one's wealth in those circles is considered inappropriate. "And yet you think we live in a country that is not wealthy. But look at the cars our people drive and the clothes they wear. The question arises: why spend vast sums to support foreign manufacturers? Support your own instead. Kamvol, Orsha linen, and others produce fine, environmentally safe fabrics of our own. This concerns everyone. It is worth reflecting on this before placing blame for all shortcomings on the authorities, including me," the head of state emphasized.

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