Irina Levkovich: 'According to the National Food Security Doctrine, at least 85% of food products sold must be Belarusian'
– Today, the industry faces very serious tasks. First and foremost, they are defined by the head of state: these are priorities in the sale of domestic goods and maintaining price stability, – Irina Levkovich noted in particular. – Speaking about the results with which we approached the consideration of this serious issue at the presidium, we hold the first place in the republic in terms of the share of domestic goods and are within the consumer price parameters that have been set. At the same time, there are significant differences in the work of the regions, some are clearly underperforming in both areas. At the presidium, we not only discussed this but also set tasks – primarily for local Councils of Deputies, because deputies of all levels must also actively engage in this work, monitor the situation in the consumer market of the city and district. Elected representatives should see if domestic goods are indeed presented in the best places in trade; analyze whether prices are growing within the established parameters, if they are growing. Although, in general, we should not have a sharp price increase, all resolutions of the Council of Ministers and government assignments are aimed at this. Therefore, I believe that as a result of the specific serious conversation that took place, we will not only maintain our leading positions but also improve our results.
No one is setting the task that we should not have imported goods, Irina Levkovich noted, responding to journalists' questions. They will be present for objective reasons – either they are not produced in Belarus, or they do not grow (if we are talking about vegetables or fruits). But according to the Doctrine of National Food Security of the Republic of Belarus, at least 85% of food products sold should be Belarusian, and we should strive for this.
In 2023 and January–March 2024, specialists of the regional, city, and district executive committees, within the scope of powers granted by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 510 of October 16, 2009, "On Improving Control (Supervisory) Activities in the Republic of Belarus," and Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus No. 713 of October 19, 2022, "On the Price Regulation System," conducted control and analytical measures to ensure compliance with legislation in the sphere of trade, public catering, consumer protection, and pricing in 2900 trade and public catering facilities in the region.