Lukashenko warns against economic development slowdown

Aleksandr Lukashenko warned that a slowdown of Belarus' economic development pace could undermine public confidence in the government and damage the country's image in the international arena.

“Belarus has been developing at a fast pace and has been on the rise in the last few years. We shouldn't lose this pace as this would not be just a slower pace of growth, it would reduce the incomes of our citizens and lead them to lose confidence in the government. And, let's put it straight, this would weaken our international status,” the Belarusian leader told the heads of the country's diplomatic missions abroad at Tuesday's conference.

Belarusian ambassadors flocked to Minsk in late July for annual consultations.

Mr. Lukashenko said that fulfilling the “arduous but realistic” tasks set by the Third All-Belarusian People's Assembly this past March was vital to securing further economic growth, official information sources said. According to the Belarusian leader, the tasks envisage the drastic improvement of living standards through innovation-based economic development.

Mr. Lukashenko noted that diplomats should work to promote Belarusian goods in foreign markets and attract investments.

The head of state stressed that Belarus' foreign political and economic activities are aimed at raising exports, developing mutually beneficial international cooperation and pursuing a multi-vector and balanced policy. “We've done much to make strides in this sphere and achieve specific results,” he was quoted as saying.