Belarus industries considering export diversification options in case of extended western sanctions – ministry
<p> MINSK, Jun 9 - PrimePress. The Ministry of Industry of Belarus is considering possible measures to respond to the expansion of western sanctions, including diversification of exports, as well as alternative options for imports of materials and components, Deputy Minister of Industry Dmitry Kharitonchik told journalists in Moscow on June 9. </p> <p> </p> <p> “We are examining possible risks and considering export diversification, while our manufacturers are looking for new suppliers of components and materials. Thus, the situation is under control, and I think that we will be able to avoid any serious shocks,” the state-owned information agency BelTA reports citing Kharitonchik as saying. </p> <p> </p> <p> The deputy minister emphasized that Belarus’ industries have not faced any pressure from western sanctions so far. “All our main partners have confirmed that they are going to honour their commitments. We hope that all the statements that have been made by the countries that are going to impose sanctions will not extend to businesses, since business stands aside from politics,” Kharitonchik said. </p> <p> </p> <p> As previously reported, Western countries did not recognize the August 9, 2020 presidential election as free and democratic, and Alexander Lukashenko as the elected president. The European Union (EU), Great Britain, the USA and Canada imposed political and economic sanctions against a number of Belarusian officials and companies loyal to the current government. </p> <p> </p> <p> The U.S. Department of the Treasury on 3 June 2021 re-imposed full blocking sanctions against nine Belarusian state-owned enterprises previously granted relief under a series of General Licenses by the Treasury Department (Belneftekhim Concern and its U.S. representative office, as well as Belneftekhim-controlled Belshina, Grodno Azot, Grodno Khimvolokno, Lakokraska, Naftan, Polotsk-Steklovolokno, and Belarusian Oil Trading House). EU countries announced the possibility of extending sanctions on Belarusian exports; in particular, deliveries of potash fertilizers, oil products and timber to the European market may be banned. These are the main export commodities of Belarus. End </p>
2021-06-10
Primepress
Belarus industries considering export diversification options in case of extended western sanctions – ministry
MINSK, Jun 9 - PrimePress. The Ministry of Industry of Belarus is considering possible measures to respond to the expansion of western sanctions, including diversification of exports, as well as alternative options for imports of materials and components, Deputy Minister of Industry Dmitry Kharitonchik told journalists in Moscow on June 9.
“We are examining possible risks and considering export diversification, while our manufacturers are looking for new suppliers of components and materials. Thus, the situation is under control, and I think that we will be able to avoid any serious shocks,” the state-owned information agency BelTA reports citing Kharitonchik as saying.
The deputy minister emphasized that Belarus’ industries have not faced any pressure from western sanctions so far. “All our main partners have confirmed that they are going to honour their commitments. We hope that all the statements that have been made by the countries that are going to impose sanctions will not extend to businesses, since business stands aside from politics,” Kharitonchik said.
As previously reported, Western countries did not recognize the August 9, 2020 presidential election as free and democratic, and Alexander Lukashenko as the elected president. The European Union (EU), Great Britain, the USA and Canada imposed political and economic sanctions against a number of Belarusian officials and companies loyal to the current government.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury on 3 June 2021 re-imposed full blocking sanctions against nine Belarusian state-owned enterprises previously granted relief under a series of General Licenses by the Treasury Department (Belneftekhim Concern and its U.S. representative office, as well as Belneftekhim-controlled Belshina, Grodno Azot, Grodno Khimvolokno, Lakokraska, Naftan, Polotsk-Steklovolokno, and Belarusian Oil Trading House). EU countries announced the possibility of extending sanctions on Belarusian exports; in particular, deliveries of potash fertilizers, oil products and timber to the European market may be banned. These are the main export commodities of Belarus. End