Entrepreneurs: “It’s worse than the Iron Curtain”
15
15:45, — Society
Brest entrepreneurs have begun to cancel their planned trips to Ukrainian markets after new rules of transit goods across the border came into force since 15 May.
According to Viktar Chaikouski, head of the Brest department of entrepreneurs’ community “Perspective,” “Vendors are afraid of strengthening of control over goods transit by individuals across the border.”
“According to methodical recommendations of the State Customs Committee, the rules of importation of goods are radically changed. In particular, if an individual crosses the state border more than once a week, he or she can bring in only one item of one name of goods,” the member of “Perspective” explained in an interview to Radio Svaboda.
As Viktar Chaikouski noted, the Iron Curtain is often reminded on the Brest markets in the connection with introducing of new rules. “The situation is far more stretching today,” he thinks. “Former industrial giants of the city are paralysed now. About 40 thousand Brest dwellers are engaged in small business. These people are in perplexity now. A social outbreak is possible.”
A similar situation can be seen in Hrodna, where people have stopped going to the market in Polish Kuznica Bialostocka, Telegraf informs. “In this case the state defends its interests, its enterprises. But they conflict the interests of the Belarusian citizens, both common buyers and entrepreneurs. If the system is introduced when a customs officer will decide what is for commercial sale and what is for private use, it will even more develop corruption,” Anatol Shumchanka, leader of “Perspective,” is sure.
According to him, entrepreneurs will develop “grey” schemes and give more bribes. “It is not a way out,” he emphasised.
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