A. Lukashenko instructed to more actively develop local raw material-based production in Belarus

Continuing the theme of using local resources, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that in the coming years, the production of bleached sulphate pulp is planned to be established in Svetlogorsk. "The Government, together with the Presidential Administration, needs to assess what else needs to be done in this area in the country so that we can properly process mature forests and restore them," the Head of State noted. Aleksandr Lukashenko was also informed about the work of RUP "Newspaper Paper Mill" in the field of house construction. As is known, the enterprise produces glued timber and beams, frame and timber houses. These products are in good demand and are exported, including to Russia and EU countries. At the same time, the enterprise plans to bring supplies to the domestic and foreign markets to a 50/50 ratio. "We cannot be tied only to Russia. Supplies must be diversified," the President of Belarus noted, adding that in the matter of pricing, it is necessary to focus primarily on the market and sell products at the most favorable price. The plant also plans to master the production of scarce lightweight coated paper, which is currently purchased abroad. The President also emphasized that enterprises, including the newspaper paper mill, should primarily rely not on state support, but on their own strengths. According to him, enterprises need to seek their own success primarily by increasing profitability, constantly improving the quality of manufactured products and expanding the geography of supplies. "I am not promising anyone any support," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. "Relying on support is an exception. Somewhere, perhaps, we will lend a shoulder, but you need to rely on yourselves," the Belarusian leader added. The Head of State noted that in the current five-year period, emphasis will be placed on the use of local resources and renewable energy sources, among others. After visiting the enterprise, Alexander Lukashenko traditionally answered questions from media representatives. In particular, regarding the use of local raw materials, the head of state stated the need to develop the economy as much as possible in this direction. "I don't know how effectively we are using the available timber reserves, but I know that we have large reserves, but for now, we are proceeding cautiously. We have commissioned a newsprint plant in Shklov. We are observing how it operates, whether there is raw material," Alexander Lukashenko noted. He also recalled the decision made to build a new modern plant for the production of base paper, which is in demand on the market. "Today, the question is whether, by using our resources prudently, we will have enough of a raw material zone. Everything must be done according to plan: cut down a forest – plant a new one so that it grows for future generations," the President noted. "The main thing is that strategically, we must build our economy in such a way that it is maximally tied to local raw materials," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. Commenting on the statements of opponents of the current government that it is inappropriate to hold large-scale celebrations in the current difficult economic situation, the head of state stressed that Belarus will not abandon the celebration of Independence Day or, for example, the holding of "Slavianski Bazaar" in the future. The President called the talk that the state spends a lot of money on this "chatter." In fact, the expenses for all this are insignificant. "This is chatter, nothing more. If they had to organize it, they would spend more or do nothing. But as long as I am President, we will spend a certain amount of money on these events," the Belarusian leader stated. "When it comes to fireworks, they cost about $10-15 thousand, which is peanuts for the state. People want not only bread but also entertainment sometimes. I didn't invent this and I am doing what is objectively necessary. Independence Day is our main holiday, and we will celebrate it with full scope," the head of state emphasized. At the same time, he noted that the military parade demonstrates the country's military power. "It is my duty to maintain the army at the proper level. He who does not feed his soldiers will feed others," Alexander Lukashenko said.Journalists also asked the President whether restrictions on import purchases would affect Belarus's foreign trade relations and lead to conflicts with foreign economic partners. "I don't think this will cause any conflicts, especially since we are not artificially refusing to purchase," said Alexander Lukashenko. According to him, a significant share of imports consists of energy resources such as oil and natural gas. "Whether you like it or not, we will not give this up for now. Although we are not working on an alternative, we have completed working on it. Vladimir Semashko is dealing with this issue," the head of state noted. "We haven't talked about this yet, but we have an alternative for natural gas, and we have already shown it for oil. And today we are choosing where it is better: cheaper in Russia - we buy in Russia, cheaper elsewhere - we buy there. We will not get away from this import component." As for the import of components, the President noted that if this product is of better quality in Belarus than that produced in other countries, then domestic components are used. At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko explained that due to a shortage of currency to purchase components abroad, many things began to be produced in Belarus, opening up import substitution production facilities. "But, of course, we cannot completely abandon imports and we are not setting such a goal. God willing, we will reduce the import component for components by at least half," the head of state noted, emphasizing that none of the foreign trade partners have made any claims against Belarus regarding the reduction of import purchases. As for the purchases themselves, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that when making them, price and quality are taken into account first and foremost. "If the price and quality are normal, we will buy. We have a single customs space, tomorrow there will be a Single Economic Space of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, free movement. Therefore, you cannot really refuse this," the Belarusian leader added. The next question concerned the future of relations between Belarus and Russia in the energy sector in light of the negotiations on the price of natural gas and the recent conflict situation surrounding electricity supplies."I am inclined to believe that we will overcome the peak in the economy (in terms of energy prices) this year. We will cross this Rubicon," said the Head of State. He explained that he bases his conviction on the fact that the global energy market is developing in this direction this year. "Even the Russians, when forming their budget for 2-3 years, proceed from the assumption that oil prices will fall further, and consequently, natural gas prices too. I would like to hope, and this is my conviction, that this year we have the highest price level," noted the President. At the same time, he reported that negotiations between Belarus and Russia on energy prices for next year are ongoing. "It is too early to say anything here, but it seems to me that from next year, if we have a maximum, we can only have such prices (as this year)," said Alexander Lukashenko. "But the task has been set for the government to reach an agreement with the Russians on a lower level of natural gas prices." Regarding oil prices, the Head of State noted that a downward trend is also observed in the world in this regard. In particular, many OPEC member countries are calling for an increase in production volumes so that prices do not rise, as this could lead to another economic crisis. "Based on everything that is happening in the world today, I hope that in the economy we have already reached practically a global level (in terms of energy prices)," said the President of Belarus. "As for electricity, we were supposed to. But partners do not act like that. Clearly, some debt is accumulating, we are unable to pay, there are some problems, so there is no need to pressure the partner," noted Alexander Lukashenko. "Frankly speaking, I assess this as un-partner-like actions, not to mention allied or fraternal relations. This is improper towards Belarus." Commenting on the possible political undertones, Alexander Lukashenko said: "I have said a lot, both by hints, openly, and semi-hints, about our relations. Russia is entering a period of acute politics. We need to look more simply at Russia's actions, especially since Russia is not monolithic in political terms, there is everything there. Therefore, we need to react more calmly. I think everything will settle down within this year, the next, the presidential elections (in Russia) will pass. Our relations are developing well, especially in the economy, exports have grown very seriously. And this is the main thing."On the request of media representatives, the Head of State also commented on the recent statement by Radosław Sikorski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, which currently holds the EU presidency. Sikorski stated that the European Union would offer support and consultations on economic reforms in Belarus in exchange for the release of prisoners labelled as "political". "I read this proposal in the media and would like to tell Mr. Sikorski that we have already received consultations from him before the presidential elections. You remember when he visited us. Nevertheless, I do not refuse his proposals and consultations. Perhaps he has understood, realised that he himself is to blame, that we did not create this situation here. Well, perhaps this is a signal. We will not refuse any signal. However, we do not need any consultations. We are smart people, after all. Therefore, these consultations are of no use to us," the President emphasised. "I just don't know on what issues they want to consult us – sowing, harvesting, building, we are good at these. Well, if they have come up with something we don't know about, let them come and tell us, and we will pay for the good deed if they tell us something," added Alexander Lukashenko. "As for political prisoners, you also know that we do not have a category of political prisoners today. They want it to be so. Frankly, I did not know how many people were convicted for these riots and are currently in places of detention. Out of 600 people prosecuted then, 28 or 30 were in places of confinement, some conditionally, some in prison. But where there is irrefutable evidence, filmed by Western journalists among others," emphasised Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, he stressed: "I am not going to bargain with anyone. These are people – whether they are bad or good – these are human destinies. Bargaining with the EU and exchanging these people for some negotiations and talks, we absolutely do not need this, I say this sincerely." "And if the EU wants to take them in," the Head of State continued, "we will issue tickets tomorrow and send them, no problem. Let them take them if they are such advocates for political prisoners. Tomorrow, I will make a decision – we will put everyone in one carriage, even those who are free today and are whining in the squares, they are deliberately provoking. Everyone they advocate for, tomorrow into a carriage – and off they go. If they want it faster – we will provide a plane, we will transfer them instantly, let them take them. But you will see how they react to this."The President also noted that he considers opposition representatives who propose to economically strangle Belarus to be enemies of the people. "This whole scabby, small mass, which tramples in the squares, neither moos nor stomps nor shouts, they want to take advantage of the moment. They perfectly understand that every day we will get out of this situation, the panic that they themselves created at the beginning of the year, and we are getting out. We saw this on the example of the Shklov paper mill," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "This whole fifth column understands: three more months - and people will forget that some prices have risen somewhere, other problems have arisen, and then there will be no reason to stomp and moo," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "And they are in a hurry and push forward. They have, you see, black Wednesdays. They gather 500-600 people there and start provoking, to provide a picture, to show in the West - they are given money for this, it's not free. That's why they are all swimming in this mire," the President added. He stressed that money is earned not in the squares, but in the fields and factories. "What kind of opposition is this: today, proposals have appeared in the media to economically strangle Belarus. This is a new round again," the President said. - These are enemies of the people, this fifth column, that's why everything is bad for them." On July 7, Alexander Lukashenko also gave an exclusive interview to the Hong Kong television company Phoenix, which is producing a series of short films about Belarus. The questions concerned the socio-economic development of Belarus, Belarusian-Chinese cooperation, relations between Belarus and the EU, as well as the situation in the Middle East and North Africa. Phoenix television company began broadcasting in 1996. Over 15 years of operation, Phoenix has grown from one channel into a multi-channel broadcaster, which includes Phoenix Chinese Channel, Phoenix InfoNews, Phoenix Hong Kong Channel, Phoenix Chinese News and Entertainment Channel, broadcast in Europe, Phoenix American Channel, and Phoenix Movie Channel. The total audience of the channels reaches 250 million people worldwide. In addition, the company includes a website, a weekly magazine, radio broadcasts, and educational projects. On July 8, Alexander Lukashenko will make a working trip to the Vitebsk region, where, according to tradition, he will open the international arts festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk." -0-

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