Belarus’ economy expected to become more effective in the Year of Enterprise

In the Year of Enterprise the Belarusian economy should operate more effectively, Deputy Economy Minister of Belarus Andrei Tur said in an interview to the First National TV Channel on 13 February, BelTA has learnt.

The government will be working hard to achieve this goal in 2011. One of the goals is to reduce the cost of production per unit of Gross Domestic Product. Particular attention will be paid to the development of such areas as biotechnology, chemical industry, innovation, etc. The government will provide strong support to innovative-friendly companies as innovation is one of the most important components in the plan of action to the Year of Enterprise, along with entrepreneurial initiative and investment.

“It is important to get the share of innovative products up to 15% of GDP by 2015 from the current 1.5%. This will be a strategic leap, which will mean that the country has created the conditions and legal framework, and that people are willing to produce an innovative product,” Andrei Tur said.

Business should play a substantial role in this. Directive No 4 that was adopted on December 31 last year outlines the strategic areas where the government intends to support business. But businessmen themselves need to be active. We want them to be in constant contact with the government informing it of the gaps and what needs to be done to make public-private partnership mutually beneficial, Andrei Tur said.

Andrei Tur once again focused attention on the fact that entrepreneurial spirit is a broader concept than entrepreneurship. The Year of Enterprise is important not only for business people but for all citizens.

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