OREANDA-NEWS. On 18 August 2008 Economy Ministry announced, that over 15 food commodities Belarus imports cannot be replaced by domestic production.

These are fish and fish products, rice, corn, millet, some legumes, vegetables and fruit, cucurbits crops, tea, coffee, spices, etc.

Imports or foods that cannot be substituted account for 70% of overall food imports.

Belarus imported U.S. USD 843 million worth of food products in January-May 2008, up 37% on the year.

The minister notes that domestic production of meat, butter, dairy products, cheese and flour is enough to meet 90% of the requirement.