Prakapovich offers excuses for “formula 85%”

The ratio of Belarusian to imported goods in retail sector of 85% to 15% is not a norm, but a recommendation, the deputy prime minister says.

“No one can use legislative tools to allow or ban or order what one should produce and how much Belarusian or imported goods should be present in the retail sector,” Prokopovich told journalists on Wednesday.

Answering the question of Interfax-West news agency whether the government plans to adopt a legislative act setting the Belarusian goods to imports ratio of 85% to 15% in the retail sector, the deputy prime minister said the decision wouldn't be taken.

“But we should make retail chains sell as much Belarusian goods as possible. I already see that our small companies are ready to compete,” he said.

Belarusian PM Mikhail Miasnikovich said last week during a visit to Trikotazhtorg company that the share of Belarusian goods in the domestic market should be increased.

The prime minister thinks the ideal proportion between the imported and domestic goods is 15%:85%, where 85% is domestic products and 15% is foreign goods.