Vladimir Shitko: "The country needs civilized business"

One of the participants of the international business conference held in Vitebsk within the framework of the "Slavianski Bazaar" was Vladimir Shitko, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Budget and Finance of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus (pictured). We asked him to tell us about the current priorities of state policy for the development of entrepreneurship and whether changes are expected in the legislation regulating the activities of the private sector.

– The priorities are clear: support is needed. Including at the legislative level. We are now adopting a bill on securities, which will facilitate work. And the recent Decree of the President on entrepreneurial activities, although it is perceived ambiguously in society, provides additional opportunities. For example, hiring people who are not relatives. But, first and foremost, it raises an important issue: the quality of the products sold. The state has made concessions by introducing amendments and providing time for the sale of non-certified products until March 1, 2015. However, entrepreneurs need to look for markets where they will be offered goods whose quality is confirmed by relevant documents in Russia, Kazakhstan, other states, including Belarus. But we are not talking about unloading warehouses at the expense of entrepreneurs; everyone has a choice.

Today, we need to move towards civilized business, and entrepreneurs must work in line with state policy. Yes, we understand that some people selling low-quality goods will leave the market, although we have a large number of retail outlets, and new ones are opening every day. But the part that remains will be strong, and we are trying to support precisely this category. In addition, the state provides opportunities to create businesses in small towns and rural areas on preferential terms. However, it is necessary to work not only according to the buy-sell scheme but also to create production and provide services. We are not rich in energy resources, like many European countries where 50% of income comes from providing services. We are also setting such a goal. It is not by chance that we have declared the Year of Hospitality: we want to attract more people to our country, which primarily affects the service sector. I believe that entrepreneurs have great potential.

– Entrepreneurs often complain that we have many “obstacles” in land legislation. If a plot of land or premises is needed for the development of production or the implementation of a project, then a lot of paperwork and approvals are required...

– Yes, this problem exists, and parliament is aware of it. Not only entrepreneurs but also foreign investors who come to us face this. At one time, we put up barriers at the legislative level to prevent so-called land grabbing. But now, as we have gradually moved to civilized methods of work, we see that this has begun to interfere with, and sometimes hinder, business development. The Head of State has repeatedly drawn attention to the need to improve legislation, and this issue was raised at the meetings of the Council of Ministers. Therefore, we are currently considering a package of documents to change the situation at the legislative level.

Olga Maslovskaya, "Vitebskiye Vesti"