OREANDA-NEWS. May 20, 2010. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has offered Lithuanian businessmen to implement promising joint projects that will promote the economic integration of the two countries. The Belarusian President made this statement as he met with representatives of the business circles of the Republic of Lithuania on 20 May.

“Of course, we will tell you about the favorable investment climate in Belarus, we will try to persuade you, but that’s not the main thing. What matters most is that we have very promising projects that can integrate our states economically,” the Belarusian President said. “We cannot do without you when it comes to the transit to the Baltic States and other countries,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus has recently been trying to diversify the foreign economic activity, therefore, Lithuania, as well as Latvia and Ukraine, are very important for Belarus. “In the recent times we have been trying (and rather successfully) to diversify our foreign economic activity. We do not deny that we are seeking to reduce our reliance on one state for sales market, materials, and so on (which for no explicable reason irritates our friends). This state, you know it full well, uses power politics, and has resorted to it on numerous occasions. This is why we should not sit and wait for manna from heaven, for some gracious attitude from one or two states. We have started to look for other cooperation forms, as well,” the Belarusian head of state said.

The President noted that Belarus can offer “must-do” projects to Lithuania. A failure to implement these projects can be detrimental to the both states.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus has developed efficient cooperation patterns for state-run enterprises and private foreign companies. The Belarusian Potash Company exemplifies the successful cooperation model. “Do not worry if you are approached with a project involving a Belarusian state-run company. All our enterprises have been reincorporated as joint-stock companies. You or any other partner can buy a stock of shares and make this company private,” Alexander Lukashenko said. However, the Belarusian President underlined that no enterprise will be sold for a song. “This sometimes displeases some our partners in the east; they would like to buy out virtually all our enterprises. We do not mind. Pay for them. But when it comes to money…” the Belarusian President said.

Alexander Lukashenko underlined that Belarus has a socially oriented economy; therefore, investors should think of the employees of an enterprise they want to buy. “I always suggest that an investor run an enterprise for two or three years and show that he can do it well,” the President said. “You can ask me how much the state interferes with the domestic economic policy. As much as it is able to,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko underlined that he is ready to take care of each project offered by Lithuania businessmen, to support it and protect from red tape. “If you are interested, come to Belarus and get down to work. “I guarantee you the main thing: you will not lose anything here because of slackness or sloth or other things,” the President assured. He reminded that Lithuanian business is present in Belarus; it is a source of major investments. “You know these people. If they say negative things, try to meet with our people and talk to them, too,” the Belarusian leader said. Alexander Lukashenko promised comfortable working conditions for responsible investors who came to our country with serious projects.