Session to discuss legal regulation in separate sectors of Belarusian economy

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a session to discuss the improvement of legal regulation in separate sectors of the Belarusian economy on 2 May.

“Today we are to consider a number of projects aimed at improving the legislation in certain areas of the Belarusian economy. The matter pertains to the introduction of a new mechanism to pay off debts and modern methods of registering payments in the transport sector. There are also innovations for the turnover of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes,” the head of state said.

According to him, the submitted legal acts have an impact on a wide range of companies, financial institutions and, most importantly, citizens. Aleksandr Lukashenko asked the participants about the essence of the proposed innovations, what the expected economic and social effect is going to be, whether the proposed documents are systematic and relevant.

“There should be no artificiality. We do not need no reforms for the sake of reforms. A reform means improvement,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Let us work calmly. If you think we need these laws then let's pass them.”

A draft decree on fuel cards has been submitted to the head of state. The legal act envisages the use of these devices to pay for toll roads, refilling cars, certain goods and services. Aleksandr Lukashenko supported the idea to use fuel cards for a wider range of purposes and gave an instruction to finalize the document of consumer protection. In his opinion, it is needed to create an exhaustive list of organizations which will make these devices, this process should be absolutely transparent and adapted to market realities.

Another issue on the agenda was a draft decree in the state regulation of sales of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Taking into account the fact that they are similar in terms of consumption and effect, plans have been made to apply the same regulations to them. Plans have been made to ban the advertizing of e-cigarettes and the sale of these products to people under 18. Besides, special places where it will be allowed to sell e-cigarettes will be determined. The ministry deems it necessary to ban smoking on beaches, in elevators and cars in the presence of children under 14.

Aleksandr Lukashenko urged to finalize these norms taking into account the public opinion, introduce effective mechanisms to ensure compliance with the legislation.