Belarus should have made better use of Russia sanctions: expert
Economist Leanid Zaika says Belarus is not benefiting in full on Russia sanctions, because it uses outdated trade methods.
The European Union has prolonged Russia sanctions for six months. Russian PM Dmitri Medvedev has suggested prolonging the so-called ‘food embargo’ for half a year in retaliation.
Euroradio has asked economist Leanid Zaika whether Belarus can benefit from it.
Zaika: “It is hard to imagine a better situation – Belarus’ rivals are being removed. Belarus has access to Russia’s huge market. It could sell its own goods and resell Polish goods to Russia – cheap meat and apples. Belarus will keep benefiting from the embargo. It is advantageous for Belarus. However, we are not making use of the situation: our export of milk and meat to Russia has decreased! The Belarusian agrarian administration is to blame for it: they are used to idling and selling.”
It is necessary to encourage producers and to be more active in the Russian market, the economist believes.
Photo: 15minut.org
