OREANDA-NEWS. July 15, 2009. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko urged paying special attention to the banking system’s lending to the real economy, including improving the affordability of loans for both individuals and corporations. The President outlined the task as Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) Piotr Prokopovich presented his report on 14 July, the press service of the head of state said.

Piotr Prokopovich said that the NBRB will take additional measures to fulfil the task.

The President of Belarus was informed about the performance of the country’s banking system in H1 2009.

In view of the global financial and economic crisis the Belarusian banking system took care of its stable operation and did its best for the sake of developing the real economy. Piotr Prokopovich remarked that these goals were reached in H1 2009, with all indicators of the monetary management policy fulfilled.

The banking system operates steadily, with the net worth and resources on the rise. The NBRB head underlined that there are no problem banks in Belarus.

Working to ensure the fulfilment of this year’s social and economic development goals is another priority of the banking system operation. With this in mind Belarusian banks constantly provide lending to the economy. As of 1 July the total loan debt was almost 50% up on the same period of 2008.

The payment system operates steadily, with the volume of payments in H1 2009 60% up on the same period of last year.

Piotr Prokopovich also reminded that fluctuations of the Belarusian ruble exchange range against the basket of foreign currencies remains within the 5% band. Although the fluctuation range has been extended to 10%, fluctuations are still within the 5% range, noted Piotr Prokopovich. He underlined that there is no need to exceed the threshold in the near future.

Meanwhile, since early this year gold and foreign exchange reserves have increased by more than USD 200 million. The NBRB head noted that the increase is small but the fact is important. Piotr Prokopovich assured that the National Bank will do its best to increase the reserves by the end of the year and will keep the national currency stable.

The head of state urged unfailing observance of the Major Monetary Management Guidelines in H2 2009. Alexander Lukashenko urged to fulfil all tasks regarding the banking system development and ensure stable development of the banking system in the future.

Apart from that, the President was informed about the Brest oblast performance in H1 2009 as well as fulfilment of certain instructions issued by the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to handling matters regarding holding an experiment for developing the Shklov and Pruzhany regions. Piotr Prokopovich remarked that the operation of these regions will be under special control. In the near future a programme for the development of these areas will be presented to the head of state.