Republic

MINSK, 17 June (BelTA) – Belarus does not need reforms based on privatization of the country’s best companies for a song, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said in a press conference for central and regional Belarusian mass media on 17 June, BelTA has learnt. The head of state noted that the talks on the need of reforms in Belarus are getting increasingly persistent. “When someone has offered us a credit, this someone said: you need to reform the economy. You know what they meant. We have a great number of state-run enterprises and too many state shares in joint stock companies. They said a reform means privatization, selling of companies,” the President said. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that he does not mind privatization. “However, if this were your property or if you were me, you would think - yes, it might be sold, but at a higher price. Nobody is going to sell things cheaply,” the President said. He noted that Belarus is ready to sell even one of the most significant enterprises – Belaruskali, which profitability, according to the President, is from 70% to 100%. “We are ready to make even this company private. The terms have been set forth: it needs to be expanded, no closure, employees should get a good salary and a social package, and what matters most – this company should be upgraded,” Alexander Lukashenko said. The head of state reminded that the price for Belaruskali had already been announced - $30 billion. “I have voiced the price - $30 billion. Come here and we will talk. If you have $12 billion, I will sell 40% of the shares (of Belaruskali – BelTA’s note),” the President promised. Alexander Lukashenko assured that he knows who is eyeing Belarus’ assets. The most desirable ones are Belaruskali, MAZ, BMZ, BelAZ, oil refineries. They have been upgraded out of state funds and are now among the best in Europe. “Nobody would eye something bad. Therefore, when talking about reforms they want to get companies from the state and give them to a private owner, or to sell for one dollar or at a low price,” the head of state said. He emphasized, “We do not need this kind of privatization.”

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