Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko gave explicit instructions to the government and the responsible ministry to mobilize all available resources to satisfy the growing demand for domestically produced automobiles. This directive came during his inspection visit to BELGI JSC located in the Borisov region, where the leader of the nation underscored the strategic importance of strengthening national automotive capacity. The visit highlighted a governmental resolve to align industrial output with the needs of citizens and commercial partners, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s capacity to expand supply and support local manufacturing ecosystems that foster job creation and regional development.
During the briefing, the head of state was briefed on the current performance of the country’s automotive industry, which has shown encouraging results recently. Notably, the year 2023 marked a turning point with export volumes reaching the highest levels observed in more than two decades, signaling robust international demand for Belarusian automotive products. Officials outlined the factors driving this upsurge, including improved production efficiency, enhanced quality controls, and the establishment of more reliable distribution channels. The president urged policymakers and industry leaders to capitalize on this momentum, stressing that there is an active market and a clear demand for competitive, locally produced vehicles. He emphasized that foreign partners had demonstrated willingness to engage in business relations, and he urged the country to maximize this moment by delivering on commitments and ensuring that financial incentives extended to the sector translate into tangible outcomes for producers and buyers alike.
In a broader strategic assessment, the president noted that if foreign companies decide to retreat from the domestic market, the republic would adapt by managing its own assets and reorienting its industrial footprint accordingly. This stance reflects a confidence in national capabilities to absorb external shocks and to reallocate resources to stronger domestic priorities without compromising economic stability or social welfare. The discussion also touched on how the government would handle remaining properties and facilities associated with non-core operations, ensuring that such assets contribute to rebuilding and modernization efforts where appropriate while avoiding unnecessary liabilities.
There was also mention of the ongoing considerations surrounding property management and the fate of notable retail and hospitality properties, including discussions about the potential private ownership or divestment of large commercial sites. The emphasis remained on prudent stewardship of assets, guided by transparency and long-term value creation for the public sector and private investors alike. The president reaffirmed that any decisions would be taken with careful analysis of market conditions, public interests, and the goal of sustaining growth in key industries that underpin the country’s development strategy.
Earlier public remarks by the president had touched on the broader implications of strategic national choices in security and defense frameworks, including the consequences and responsibilities associated with the appearance of nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil. The statements underscored a focus on safeguarding national sovereignty while pursuing a path of pragmatic development, international cooperation, and measured modernization across critical sectors. The overall message highlighted the balance between asserting independence, encouraging domestic innovation, and maintaining constructive engagement with international partners to promote stability and growth while upholding safety and precaution in all policy directions.