Meeting to discuss ways to accelerate work on key investment projects with foreign countries

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has convened a meeting to discuss ways to accelerate work on key investment projects with foreign countries.

The head of state noted that he regularly undertakes foreign visits. A recent example is a major trip that took him to Russia, China, Indonesia and Myanmar. Belarusian delegations are always well received in various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Such visits deliver tangible economic benefits, as specific and significant cooperation agreements are reached at the level of heads of state.

"Such trips yield considerable results," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "But I am concerned that red tape may drown all these efforts."

Aleksandr Lukashenko cited as an example the agreement with Oman on building a pulp and paper mill in Belarus. The implementation of this project has been insufficiently active, despite its importance. "This is something we badly need. From the air, I can see that we are not keeping up with processing the timber as it ripens. We must process this raw material in a reasonable manner and without resorting to overly sophisticated solutions. This is our national treasure," the Belarusian leader said, commenting on the project's significance. "We agreed that we would do this and that. Quite some time has passed. The government reports: we have signed a memorandum, we are considering it, we are planning it … How long are we going to keep planning?"

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why he decided to convene the responsible officials and hear how important agreements are being implemented: "The main thing is the economy, [it's] the foundation. We cannot allow [the agreements reached during these visits], particularly those at the highest level, to become mired in bureaucracy or to yield no tangible outcomes. Beyond that, ministers and the prime minister also make trips of their own."

The head of state also described the meeting as an element of Presidential oversight over the implementation of key agreements with foreign countries, specifically investment projects, both those in Belarus and Belarusian projects abroad.

"In terms of exports, our enterprises performed well at the start of this year. During the recent major visit, our country also received many kind words and a number of plans were outlined," said Aleksandr Lukashenko. "At the same time, it has long been known that for successful market entry, especially in distant markets, simple trade is no longer enough. The task is being addressed through cooperation, moving final production closer to consumers, and setting up local or joint logistics and production facilities. The tools to achieve these goals are available, and much has been done in recent months."

The President recalled that an investment component had previously been incorporated into the government's action program for developing cooperation with countries of the far arc, and above all Africa, for 2026-2030. In addition, an agreement on trade in services and investment with China came into effect on 1 January of this year, and in May a new Presidential directive was adopted with a clear focus on attracting direct investment.

"One could say that we have painstakingly put together a pool of 60 projects and ideas worth approximately $6 billion to attract investors. In June 2026, the Council of Ministers finally approved a strategy for developing multi-brand service centers for Belarusian machinery and industrial equipment in other countries, including the CIS and the far arc. Without this, we will get nowhere; no one will buy machinery if they cannot see that it can be repaired and serviced under warranty," the head of state noted. "These documents must not remain dead weight; they must become a guide to action. And action must be immediate, without red tape. From my own sense of things, we are still moving far too slowly."

"Put forward your options. There can be no excuses. The main thing is that you hear me and act on it. Let us address each issue in earnest. And one more thing: do not promise what you cannot deliver. We should only do what we are capable of," Aleksandr Lukashenko told the meeting participants.

The head of state noted that the implementation of investment projects abroad is not moving as quickly as required and outlined the obstacles hindering its acceleration.

"It is important to understand what is holding us back. First, our own internal sluggishness, lack of discipline, and red tape. We create far-fetched problems for ourselves and then heroically battle them for months," said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

It often goes like this: the President makes a decision, and all that's left is to put it on paper. But then months are wasted trying to prepare a single-page document for his signature."

One example is the story of the new pulp mill project in Vitebsk Oblast. "It turns out that two Presidential decrees are needed: the first to literally clear the construction site of old investors, and the second to launch the new investment project. Whether it's two or one, just submit it. Officials have been going around in circles for months now, and the project is not moving forward," the President said.

Although a high-level agreement was reached some time ago, the project is still caught up in red tape. "I ask that for all investment projects under discussion, we clearly pinpoint where the genuine problems are and where the bureaucratic foot-dragging is on our side," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

The President called for a more active use of state financial resources to secure a presence in foreign markets.

"If we see real potential and need to secure a presence in the markets of anchor countries, why do we fail to use state financial resources to support our industrial giants?" Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President noted that the National Bank's role in this process is not very prominent. The head of state also pointed out that whenever budget funds or reserves are involved, financial officials shift the blame to manufacturers, citing a lack of thoroughly prepared business plans. "Then develop them! Calculate them together with the Development Bank. In the end, we are talking about three to five, or let's say ten projects a year," the President emphasized.

Speaking about what interests foreign partners, Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned assembly plants and service centers. "Just as Belarus attracts automotive manufacturers, we see that we are also invited there. That is a good thing. However, it is not always enough to contribute intellectual property to the capital of joint ventures. Just like Belarus, these countries need real investments - funds to build new enterprises utilizing our technologies," he stated.

The head of state noted that, for example, in Africa, it is currently possible to implement relatively small projects involving direct Belarusian investments, such as agricultural machinery assembly plants in Nigeria, and service centers there, as well as in Zimbabwe and Togo. In this regard, he tasked the government with identifying areas of work in Africa, spanning the northern, southern, or eastern parts of the continent.

"We should not chase excessive scale. We need to define exactly where we want to go," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. Furthermore, there is a potential to work together with Russian partners in the African market, which is also one of the promising avenues and advantages in cooperation with the countries of this region.

The President also pointed out that investment projects in several African countries are sometimes implemented by private entities that may be limited in resources. "The state must get involved. Belarusian components, license fees, and sales profits are important to us. An MTZ tractor operates in Pakistan or Africa for 20 to 30 years. Over this period, selling original spare parts, tires, and consumables can generate revenue equivalent to the cost of two more such tractors," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.