OREANDA-NEWS. Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko said he wants the present-day economic policy sustained. The president made a statement this effect after a report presented by Nadezhda Yermakova, Chairwoman of the National Bank of Belarus.

“We should follow the policy we have determined. In no way should we do something artificial. We shouldn’t tame, devaluate, nationalize, or privatize. We should follow our promised policy. Individuals and corporations should understand that if the demand is large, then the price is higher. If the demand is low or non-existent, then the price is lower, including the price for foreign exchange. Money is just another commodity,” stressed the President.

According to Lukashenko, the situation in the Belarus’ economy is not simple just like in the rest of the world, however, it is no catastrophe, the finished goods inventory is being reduced gradually, and money from sales keeps coming. “A foreign trade surplus has been secured. It is very good in the situation that is evolving in our foreign trade,” said Lukashenko.

The recent visit of the Belarusian delegation to the People’s Republic of China is expected to secure additional economic benefits. Bilateral agreements worth a total of about USD 1.5 billion were reached during the visit. The sides also intend to step up investment cooperation, which is already estimated at billions of US dollars, the president’s press-service said.

“Chinese partners have promised that we will not have any problems with investments. They have the money and would like to invest in our economy,” said Lukashenko.

Speaking to Yermakova, the president warned against emission-based lending to the economy: “Printing some huge sums and injecting the economy with them is out of the question”.

In turn, the NBB chief brought Lukashenko up to date on the situation on the financial and currency markets as well as the overall banking industry.