EEU Treaty is beneficial for Belarus, Lukashenko says

08:52, 2 July 2014

MINSK. KAZINFORM - The EEU Treaty did no harm to Belarus, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at the solemn meeting held on 1 July to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the country's liberation from the Nazi invaders and Belarus Independence Day, BelTA has learned.

"The EEU Treaty did no harm to Belarus and will benefit the country in the future," the head of state stressed.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that it took Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan several years to prepare the treaty. "Starting from 1 January 2015 participants of our markets will enjoy free movement of goods, services, capital and workforce. We agreed to harmonize policies in key branches of the economy, namely the energy sector, manufacturing, agriculture, transport. Therefore, together we are working to establish the largest economic union with the total population of 170 million on the post-Soviet space. I am convinced that this union will become a strong center of economic development," the President said.

The head of state also disproved statements that the Eurasian Economic Union is useless for Belarus. He said that the distribution of export duties will benefit Belarus. Moreover, the Belarusian economy is export-oriented. Belarus sells about 75% of goods abroad. "It was like that before and we cannot lose it. Of course, it can be dangerous when the country has to sell a lot. The global crisis and problems of our partners create difficulties for us. In order to survive and have a normal life we need to be ahead of our rivals. It always prompts the nation to step up modernization, move forward and make progress," the Belarusian leader remarked.

"We need this economic union," Alexander Lukashenko stressed. At the same time, the President said that the EEU membership is not a solution to all problems. It is also essential to work hard to promote Belarusian products.

The head of state also reminded the meeting participants that it is necessary to diversify the economy and export. This is why Belarus is interested in the enhancement of trade and economic ties even with distant countries all over the world, BelTA reports.

"We maintain equal relations with the biggest countries. I mean the union with the Russian Federation, strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China. We promote mutually beneficial economic cooperation with other big and small countries," Alexander Lukashenko said.

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