MINSK, 29 March (BelTA) – US companies coming to Belarus will be offered state support and comfortable business conditions, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with top executives of several major US companies on 29 March. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that US businesspeople can significantly contribute to the Belarus-US re-engagement. “It is not ok when two civilized states that once fought together against fascism are now at loggerheads and look askance at each other,” the Belarusian leader said. The President believes that Belarus offers a multitude of opportunities for US businessmen, from the construction of aircraft factories, take-off runways to the building of the core of Minsk City and the nuclear power plant. “Belarus is located at the center of Europe. If you are interested in this market, you will be offered the most favorable conditions,” the head of state said. He noted that he is ready to issue a special decree for each US project giving it certain preferences and setting out the responsibilities of the sides. Talking about the investment climate in the country, Alexander Lukashenko said that it is not worse than that of the neighboring states, “We are keeping track of what is going on in the neighboring countries and trying to outstrip them.” Addressing the top executives of the major US companies, the head of state asked them to proceed from the fact that Belarus “is not in the dire state of crisis and is not on the bottom of a pit.” He admitted that the global financial and economic crisis is affecting Belarus to some extent, but the national economy is capable of supporting its population of ten million people. “We are not in a critical condition. Therefore, we do not rush into any project that comes across. But we will thoroughly consider it and do this very fast, without foot-dragging, or impediments related to corruption or other crimes,” the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the ongoing meeting is aimed to show the Belarusian people and other states that the President of Belarus welcomes foreign business. The head of state emphasized that the major US corporations will bring new technologies, new practices to Belarus resulting in a breakthrough in the national economy. “The only condition is: do not treat us as a third-rate country. Do not think that we are an underdeveloped state that does not understand anything. We are educated people. Treat Belarus as if it were your homeland: with respect to people, and acknowledgement of its realities,” the President said. He added, “I do not urge you to put up with the flaws that we have. If you point out to them, we will learn from you, we are good learners. But do it in a decent and regardful way, and we will really appreciate it.” БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
