Lukashenko describes exports as critical element of Belarus's economy

MINSK. Jan 15 (Interfax) - Exports are becoming a critical element of Belarus's economy, President Alexander Lukashenko said while receiving a report on endorsing a state investment program for 2025.

"Exports are again becoming a critical element in our economy. We produce a lot, we consume half of it, and we have to sell the other half," Belarus's BelTA state news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying.

Lukashenko said he recently clearly instructed the foreign minister to focus primarily on developing trade and economic ties with other countries.

"I warned him that there must be no tourist trips outside the country. Moreover, if a government member or another high-ranking official, a governor, the president, or the prime minister travels [abroad], then we must bring back two or three issues important for our country from there. We need to grab onto something," Lukashenko said.

The foreign minister is supposed to report results of this work to the president on a monthly basis.