We need to protect Belarus' national interests as the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is adopted, President Alexander Lukashenko said at the meeting on the draft agreement on the EEU Customs Code on 9 December, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus is an export-oriented country that also imports many products. “The Customs Code is the principal document regulating these relations. We always say that export is of vital importance to us. It brings foreign currency to our country which is used to ensure decent standard of living,” the head of state noted.

“Therefore, this document should be thoroughly elaborated, so that not a single Belarusian citizen, including me, asks our government, which has been responsible for the drafting and consideration of the Code, what real results it has brought about and why the situation in some aspects has become worse than before. Whatever compromise the Code carries (I do not rule out that compromises are possible in certain aspects), but we can by no means let the social and economic situation in Belarus become worse,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

“Everything should be properly considered and coordinated with ministries, agencies, and regional executive committees. And also district executive committees, if necessary. It is necessary to involve all specialists, even those with opposing points of view, and communicate the provisions of the document to them, to the citizens of our country. This should be done immediately in order to give people time to provide feedback and say what is beneficial for us and what is not,” the President said.

He emphasized that the document in question is very important for Belarus. “I also pay so much attention to the new Customs Code, because we have certain questions to the system guided by the current Customs Code. I have asked the current Prime Minister, who has been heading Belarus' negotiating group, many questions, because everything should be taken into account,” Alexander Lukashenko added.

The relevant document, according to the President, is expected to be signed at the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Saint Petersburg on 26 December. Alexander Lukashenko noted that before he makes a decision, Belarus would like to hear the views of the authorized officials and especially those who will put their signatures on the draft treaty. “These are all members of government and senior officials,” he said.