RIGA, 22 May (BelTA) – Belarus is against the approach that involves making a choice between the East and the West, Belarusian First Deputy Economy Minister Alexander Zaborovsky told journalists on 21 May, BelTA has learned. "The dilemma between the East and the West, Russia and Brussels, which is currently forced upon us, stems from the times of the Cold War. Belarus is against such an approach. We are ready to cooperate with everyone who wants to cooperate with us," Alexander...

MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) – Finalists of the contest meant to name Belarus' best exporters of 2014 secured 10% of the country's export, BelTA learned from Mikhail Myatlikov, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, before the award ceremony began on 14 May. The official said: "Our winners exported $2.2 billion worth of merchandise and services in 2014 while all the finalists of the contest — 104 companies — secured 10% of the country's export. These companies are...

MINSK, 8 May (BelTA) – In the run-up to the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated all Belarusians on this great and sacred holiday, BelTA learned from the press service of the head of state. "On this sacred day we are especially grateful to the liberators and people working in the rear who defended the freedom and independence of our Motherland in the fierce fight against Nazi invaders. The holiday celebrated on 9...

MINSK, 30 April (BelTA) – Belarus will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Russia. The statement was made by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in his address to the nation and the parliament on 29 April, BelTA has learned. "Both the European Union and the USA understand me when I tell them that if anything happens, Belarus will stand shoulder to shoulder with Russia. It is our ally. Let me quote you an example: do you remember bombing in Iraq? It was claimed that nuclear weapons...

MINSK, 10 April (BelTA) – In March 2015 the index of consumer prices for commodities and services totaled 100.8% in comparison with February 2015 and 104.9% in comparison with December 2014, the National Statistics Committee of Belarus told BelTA. In March 2015 the basic index of consumer prices that disregards changes of prices for individual commodities and services that are affected by administrative and seasonal factors stood at 100.9% in comparison with February 2015 and 103.8% in...

MINSK, 3 April (BelTA) – Belarus has plans to develop scientific and technical cooperation with new partners from 20 countries, Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology Alexander Shumilin told a press conference on 2 April, BelTA has learned. "Belarus takes a proactive position in developing international cooperation in science, technologies, and innovations and is eager to bolster its cooperation ties. Apart from the ties that already exist, we are ready to develop...

MINSK, 27 March (BelTA) – All the regions of Belarus will hold cultural events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War during the year 2015. The issue was discussed at the session of the interagency commission for the elderly, war veterans and victims of the war on 25 March, BelTA has learned. Natalia Zaderkovskaya, the head of the department for culture and folk art establishments at the Belarusian Culture Ministry, noted that the...

MINSK, 20 March (BelTA) – All the Belarusian pharmaceutical enterprises will be certified for compliance with GMP standards by 2016, BelTA learned from Viktor Shein, Deputy Director of the Pharmaceutical Industry Department of the Belarusian Healthcare Ministry, on 19 March. According to the source, the certification of all the manufacturing facilities for compliance with GMP standards will be completed this year. "We are expanding the network of our dealerships abroad. We are...

MINSK, 13 March (BelTA) – The export of services by companies residing in the Hi-Tech Park in Belarus rose by 31% in 2014, BelTA learned from Valery Tsepkalo, Director of the Hi-Tech Park Administration. In 2014 resident companies of the Hi-Tech Park exported $585.2 million worth of services, 131% as against 2013. Export accounted for 88% of the HTP's total production. "Across the country we secured a 44% increase in the export of services in the balance of payments in 2014," stressed...

MINSK, 6 March (BelTA) – The talks with the World Bank over a loan continue, Forestry Minister Mikhail Amelyanovich told a press conference on the forest management in the Republic of Belarus and Finland's experience, BelTA has learned. When asked whether Belarus needs additional funds to approximate its forestry management standards with the Finnish ones, the minister noted: "We are negotiating the $40 million loan with the World Bank, of which $5 million will be used to purchase...