OREANDA-NEWS. February 16, 2011. Belarus plans to reach a foreign trade surplus in 2015, Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich said at a session of the Council of Ministers that addressed the national export development program for 2011-2015.

According to Myasnikovich, in the next five years it is planned to increase commodity exports 120%, and service exports 200% in order to reach a foreign trade surplus in 2015.

“Last year, we had the worst results with a commodity trade deficit of USD 9.7 billion,” he reminded

Myasnikovich emphasized that the regional sections of the export program were very problematic. “Region-wise, only Minsk has specific plans to increase exports five times, whereas other regions give general phrases,” Myasnikovich said.

The program lacks a subsection on the Customs Union and Common Economic Area, he added.

“After the ratification of the Common Economic Area agreements the government thinks everything will happen automatically, and I do not see ministries that coordinate the project flesh out specific efforts,” the premier said.