Business association leader critical of government :: Charter'97 :: News

The chairman of the Minsk Capital Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (MCUEE) slammed the Belarusian government for failure to create a proper legal framework for the operation of private businesses.

While speaking at a conference in Minsk on February 22, Uladzimir Karahin lashed out at both the legislative and executive branches of government for failure to contribute to a more favorable business environment in Belarus.

The MCUEE Council will meet on February 27 to "devise specific proposals for changes to regulations," Mr. Karahin said, adding that a total of 1,500 laws and regulations needed to be changed.

"One shouldn`t expect any revolution from above. The strength of entrepreneurs is in consolidation and business cooperation, including between the directors of private companies," the MCUEE chairman noted.

He accused the government of failure to deliver on its promise to alleviate the tax burden in 2007, noting that the tax on imported good sales had been raised in several regions earlier this year.

According to Mr. Karahin, the National Assembly is scheduled to hold a parliamentary hearing on private businesses` problems this fall.