“Dear forum guests, dear friends,
I am grateful to be here with you today.
First of all, I would like to praise the organizers of this timely and important event – Association of Belarusian Business Abroad. You are doing an incredible job – you unite businesses, but you also unite people. It’s your second such conference, and as always, on the highest level.
Let me thank Lithuanian Government, represented here by Jovita Neliupšienė. You accepted many companies from Belarus. Many people found safety in Lithuania.
Also, I’d like to thank the European Humanities University which kindly offered its space for this forum and helped with organization.
All of us are watching the events in Ukraine now. This crisis quickly escalates, and drags Belarus into it. Irresponsible behavior of the regime makes Belarus vulnerable, and instable country for business. Now we can expect the even bigger outflow of companies from Belarus. Therefore we should be ready to help them, and not to lose connection with Belarus.
It is believed that business is all about money. But business is about people. Behind every successful company there is a person or a group of people. Many of them continue working in Belarus, despite all the hurdles. Many had to flee and start everything from scratch in a new country. For many, the choice was made for them. They had to protect their employees, their teams, and their families.
I understand that Belarusian entrepreneurs are literally navigating a minefield now. Obviously, everyone wants changes. But any public support for democratic changes lead to repressions, searched offices, and blocked bank accounts.
On the other hand, businesspeople have a fear that their silence means they accept the regime, and can lead to sanctions. And I understand perfectly that it is hard for business people now to be absolutely frank.
Let be frank here, between us. Sustainable changes can not and will not come quickly. Moreover, every extra day the regime stays in power deepens the crisis and the consequences for business and the economy. But we are ready to do everything that depends on us.
Naturally, we have to help the exiled businesses and entrepreneurs. We need to develop support systems both on the level of local authorities and create special assistance programs on a country level. This is our opportunity to build a strong and thriving Belarusian business community.
This will allow our entrepreneurs to stay in business and – when they are ready – to come back to the new democratic Belarus. We can only imagine what they will achieve without constant fear of losing everything and in favorable conditions.
And we are already creating such a vision for the future. My economic team works on the needed reforms for future Belarus that will stimulate the creation and growth of small and medium enterprises that will create jobs, pay taxes, and build a strong middle class.
We've heard many times in Belarus that a strong-handed regime is the foundation of the state. But I believe that the foundation of the state and stable economy is the people's initiative. Initiative that is encouraged, and not repressed. That is supported, and not killed by endless restrictions, inspections and even unjustified criminal liabilities.
In my opinion, the new Belarus will need an adequate tax system, equal conditions for public and private companies, and capital amnesty. In New Belarus, small and medium enterprises should be able to legalize their capital without fear of prosecution, because we understand that many honest businesses did not want to support the illegitimate regime. Businesses will not be suffocated by extensive taxes.
However, there will be challenges still. But we know how to overcome them. We know that:
- Sanctions will be lifted.
- That the private sector will grow thanks to economic reforms.
- That many talented Belarusians will return home as competent business managers, private investors, businesspeople, university professors or even consumers who will create demand for local businesses.
- That public enterprises will be evaluated, and some will be privatized, others will undergo a major management change.
- That the European Union will provide a €3 billion economic assistance package meant to support the reforms in New Belarus.
- And other democratic countries such as the US, Canada, UK as well as international organizations will also provide additional financing.
This is in the real future. And in the present, I ask our democratic partners to continue their support for Belarusian businesses, including through the Association of Belarusian Business Abroad.
And I ask entrepreneurs to believe in the future. The future where you can freely grow your business, raise your children in safety, and live a life full of respect, not fear. Believe me, this is what we all want.
Thank you”.
