Opinions & Interviews
Lukashenko: Primary duty for banks is to serve the economy
MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) – The banking sector plays a decisive role in maintaining stability in the country, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with the top management of the National Bank and other banks on 9 September, BelTA has learned.
Addressing the participants of the meeting, the president said that the banking sector is a key factor in the country’s stability. “The purpose of this meeting is to emphasize my principal demand for the banking sector. If the economy is growing and there are no issues with settlements, it means that you are doing your job well. Conversely, without economic growth, discussions about gold reserves or currency volatility are meaningless. The economy is the ultimate indicator,” the president said.
The head of state confirmed his general support for the concept of the forthcoming five-year socio-economic development program, which is currently in active development. “The plan must include concrete measures to bolster the National Bank’s role as a key driver of economic growth,” he said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko went on saying that the current National Bank Chairman, Roman Golovchenko, had previously advocated for the deeper integration of the National Bank and the banking system into the national economy during his tenure as Prime Minister.
“Now, as head of the National Bank, you must work in lockstep with the current Prime Minister, Aleksandr Genrikhovich [Turchin]. Your goals are aligned: driving economic growth, ensuring public welfare, and containing prices,” the president emphasized.
He acknowledged the banking sector’s challenging yet stable condition, saying: “Well done. You withstood a targeted blow to the banking system without wavering, and you found ways to operate actively despite complex foreign economic pressures. Overall, your performance is commendable, and I appreciate your work. But the most critical task is to never become complacent.”
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