Belarus' 2018 budget surplus exceeds $2 billion

Belarusian Economy Minister Maksim Yermalovich / BELTA
Belarusian Economy Minister Maksim Yermalovich / BELTA

The budget surplus in Belarus exceeded $2 billion in equivalent in 2018, Finance Minister Maksim Yermolovich told reporters at a solemn reception timed to the 100th anniversary of the Finance Ministry on 25 January, reports BELTA.

“This is pretty good; this allows us to be optimistic about the future regardless of developments in the global economy,” Maksim Yermolovich said. In his words the stability was achieved due to two major factors – an overall economic policy by the government and a balanced and prudent fiscal policy aimed, among other things, at more efficient management of public funds. “The combination of these factors has resulted in higher revenues and efficient public spending,” the minister noted.

The Law on the 2018 Budget envisaged that the surplus would amount to around BYN 734 million (less than $370 million). 

More news in the Petarda podcast from 25.01: