Opinions & Interviews

Sergei Musiyenko remarked that Belarus has never stopped its trade and economic cooperation with Ukraine. Moreover, the Belarusian side refused to exclude Ukraine from the CIS free trade zone despite the fact that it signed the economic part of the association agreement with the European Union. Belarus had adopted measures relating to the licensing of imports of confectionery products and raw materials from outside the common customs territory of the Customs Union (since 1 June) solely as a member of the Customs Union. "From our side, it was a forced step, and we could not do otherwise," the political scientist said.

He is convinced that the actions of the Ukrainian side are ill-advised and will entail serious financial losses for Ukraine. "If you look at the number of items that the special duty will be applied to, you get the feeling that such a solution is imposed from outside," said Sergei Musiyenko. Given the current situation, Ukraine, on the contrary, needs to find compromises (with the other countries – note by BelTA) and solve economic issues,” he noted.

He also believes that for Ukraine Belarus is a link in the trade and economic interaction not only in the Customs Union but also in the CIS as a whole. "It should be remembered that Minsk is the CIS capital and that Belarus has undertaken Ukraine's Presidency in the CIS in 2014. We are ready to lend a helping hand to the country. Any conflict ends sooner or later and our countries should look for the normal relations in the future. First of all, we should sit down at the negotiating table and discuss the problems that have arisen in trade and economic relations, analyze the situation," said Sergei Musiyenko.

The interagency commission for international trade of Ukraine adopted a decision to impose a special duty on the import of certain goods from Belarus. The special duty to the amount of 55.29% of the customs value will be applied to Belarusian confectionery, dairy products, electric bulbs, fertilizers and refrigerators. In addition, Ukraine has also decided to apply a special duty on the import of Belarusian tires, malt beer, and spare parts for refrigerating equipment. Its size is 60.05% of the customs value of the goods. The period of application of this special duty will be since the date of enforcement of the decision of the commission (it shall enter into force 10 days from the date of publication of the communication) and will continue through 31 December 2016 (inclusive).

On 1 June Belarus, as a member of the Customs Union, introduced licensing of imports of confectionery products and raw materials from outside the Customs Union. This is a temporary measure that will be in force until 30 November 2014. Imported beer will also be subject to licensing from 1 May to 31 October this year.