31 August, Minsk /Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA/. Belarus, according to preliminary data, reached a record volume of exports of goods and services in July of this year – approximately $4 billion. This was stated on August 30 to journalists by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Sergey Martynov, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The progress in the implementation of the National Programme for Export Development for 2011-2015 was considered on August 30 at a meeting of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers. "Preliminary data for July show that in July we reached an absolutely record growth in export supplies of goods and services from Belarus for the entire history of the country's independence – under $4 billion," Sergey Martynov reported. According to the minister, positive trends have been observed in the country's exports over the past few months. Thus, in the first half of this year, Belarus increased exports by 55% compared to the same period last year. Export revenues for the specified period increased by $9 billion. "We have gained significantly as a result of new working conditions in the Customs Union market," noted Sergey Martynov. According to him, Belarus's growth in exports to the Customs Union countries amounted to $2 billion. This indicates the effectiveness of the mechanisms and rules of operation agreed upon within the union. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that for six months of this year, the growth rate of exports over the growth rate of imports was 5 percentage points. "In July, the growth of this lead is even greater – about 7-8 percentage points," he stated. At the same time, one should not be complacent or rest on their laurels, Sergey Martynov is confident. According to him, the relative slowdown in import growth is largely due to currency restrictions that were introduced in recent months. As these restrictions are lifted, including based on decisions concerning the currency market, which were announced today at a meeting with the President, this factor will recede. The minister drew attention to the fact that a number of industries are perfectly fulfilling export targets but are not coping with foreign trade balance indicators. "This applies to about half of the industries in our industry, they need to catch up," he said. "Special attention was paid to this at the Presidium of the Council of Ministers."