Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has directed the Ministry of Finance to finalize and sign an agreement with Russia that outlines the general principles for the taxation of indirect taxes. This directive is aligned with the country’s legal framework and the prevailing administrative procedures that govern international fiscal accords in Belarus. The objective appears to be establishing a clear, mutually understood basis for how indirect taxes will be applied, collected, and coordinated between the two neighboring states, reducing ambiguity for cross-border economic activity and ensuring consistency with the agreed project scope.
In the same set of actions, Lukashenko gave the green light to approve a draft bilateral agreement between Belarus and the Russian Federation, detailing the general principles of taxation on indirect taxes. The document specifies that, should consensus be reached within the framework of the approved project, both the signing of the agreement and the authorization for the Ministry of Finance to negotiate the final text would be carried out. This step signals a structured approach to formalizing fiscal cooperation and indicates a preference for orderly negotiation processes that emphasize clarity and predictability for businesses operating across the border.
Additionally, the Belarusian leader sanctioned a draft agreement between the governments of Belarus and Russia on cooperation related to the development of the transport of certain cargo types through transport corridors that traverse the territory of both countries. By issuing this decision, Lukashenko authorized the Ministry of Transport and Communications to engage in negotiations with the Russian Federation to finalize the terms of this cooperation. The move underscores an emphasis on enhancing logistical efficiency and joint infrastructure initiatives that can facilitate trade flows and improve regional connectivity across the two nations.
There was also mention of potential national steps on the eve of National Unity Day, celebrated on September 17. The president indicated that an amnesty could be issued for detainees in the country. This suggestion aligns with a longstanding practice of Belarusian authorities to extend symbolic gestures during significant national celebrations, reflecting a political and social strategy that aims to reinforce social cohesion and demonstrate humane considerations during prominent commemorations.