Belarus should accelerate structural reforms, strengthen mandatory social distancing in light of pandemic - WB
<p> MINSK, May 21 - PrimePress. Belarus should accelerate structural reforms and strengthen mandatory social distancing in the face of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. </p> <p> </p> <p> Alex Kremer, World Bank Country Manager for Belarus, made a statement to this effect on May 21 during a webinar on the impact of the pandemic on the economy, business and households in Belarus. </p> <p> </p> <p> “The cause of the current problems of the Belarusian economy lies in the inefficiency and instability of the public sector – it has left little room for response to the current crisis for enterprises and the society,” said Kremer. </p> <p> </p> <p> In his words, it is important for the Belarusian government to move to the first stage of restructuring of state enterprises, introduce professional boards of directors, revise the ways of managing state enterprises. </p> <p> </p> <p> “We recommend the abolition of random non-systemic tax simplifications, it concerns (VAT preferences), we recommend abandoning subsidies for heating services for the private households, who cover 20% of their prime cost. We recommend using the saved funds for subsidies, for quick implementation of social support programs and quick creation of a full-fledged scheme of support for the unemployed,” Kremer said. </p> <p> </p> <p> The World Bank keeps emphasizing the importance of social distancing in Belarus. </p> <p> </p> <p> “The World Bank continues to recommend that Belarus should strengthen mandatory and legally adopted measures on mandatory social distancing. Our chief economist is preparing a report for the region, which contains conclusions on mandatory measures of social distancing: the earlier they are implemented, the less long-term consequences and losses for the economy will be. It is necessary to apply the WHO recommendations as quickly as possible, to postpone mass organized events, to reduce physical presence in workplaces and educational institutions, to reduce the unnecessary movement of people,” said Kremer. End </p>
2020-05-22
Primepress
Belarus should accelerate structural reforms, strengthen mandatory social distancing in light of pandemic - WB
MINSK, May 21 - PrimePress. Belarus should accelerate structural reforms and strengthen mandatory social distancing in the face of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Alex Kremer, World Bank Country Manager for Belarus, made a statement to this effect on May 21 during a webinar on the impact of the pandemic on the economy, business and households in Belarus.
“The cause of the current problems of the Belarusian economy lies in the inefficiency and instability of the public sector – it has left little room for response to the current crisis for enterprises and the society,” said Kremer.
In his words, it is important for the Belarusian government to move to the first stage of restructuring of state enterprises, introduce professional boards of directors, revise the ways of managing state enterprises.
“We recommend the abolition of random non-systemic tax simplifications, it concerns (VAT preferences), we recommend abandoning subsidies for heating services for the private households, who cover 20% of their prime cost. We recommend using the saved funds for subsidies, for quick implementation of social support programs and quick creation of a full-fledged scheme of support for the unemployed,” Kremer said.
The World Bank keeps emphasizing the importance of social distancing in Belarus.
“The World Bank continues to recommend that Belarus should strengthen mandatory and legally adopted measures on mandatory social distancing. Our chief economist is preparing a report for the region, which contains conclusions on mandatory measures of social distancing: the earlier they are implemented, the less long-term consequences and losses for the economy will be. It is necessary to apply the WHO recommendations as quickly as possible, to postpone mass organized events, to reduce physical presence in workplaces and educational institutions, to reduce the unnecessary movement of people,” said Kremer. End