In 2007, population income in Belarus in real terms (considering the consumer price index) increased 2.4 times over 2000, 14.7% over 2006. This is quite a good growth, Minister of Statistics and Analysis of Belarus Vladimir Zinovsky told a press conference in Minsk on March 12. He cited the following data for comparison: last year population income in Russia went up by 10%, in Ukraine by 13%, in Azerbaijan by 22%, in Armenia by 19% and in Poland by 4.6%. Vladimir Zinovsky said that the...

At the beginning of the next week the 2009 census programme will be published on the official website of the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis for discussion, Minister of Statistics and Analysis Vladimir Zinovsky reported to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service. The Ministry of Statistics and Analysis has been preparing for the 2009 census. A pilot census in October 2007 allowed the ministry to draw up a programme of the next census....

A potential investor intends to invest EUR 7.5 million in the reconstruction of the Yakub Kolas Printing Company, BelTA learnt from Belarusian Information Minister Vladimir Rusakevich. One of the biggest Russian publishers, ACT Moskva, intends to buy a stake in the Yakub Kolas Printing Company. The Russian publishing concern has cooperated with the Belarusian company for many years. ACT Moskva places more than 80% of orders there. Today the production capacities of the Yakub Kolas...

Belarus is ready to discuss any cooperation projects with Great Britain, First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko said during a meeting with Cecil Parkinson, a member of the House of Lords of the British Parliament, in Minsk on March 11. Attending the meeting are Industry Ministry of Belarus Anatoly Rusetsky, Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Tur, chief of the Belneftekhim concern Valery Kazakevich. “We are ready to discuss concrete projects and areas of joint work,” Vladimir Semashko...

In January-February 2008, Belarus’ international reserve assets increased by $453.9 million, or 9%, to $5446.6 million. Last month they increased by 10.5%, BelTA leant from the information department of the National Bank. Hard currency reserves account for the greatest share of the international reserve assets of Belarus ($4349.7 million, or 79.9%) and precious metals and gems ($1010.2 million, or 18.5%). Over the past two months they increased by 7.1% and 19.3% respectively. Other assets...

In the future Great Britain can become Belarus’ leading investor, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with a group of British businessmen headed by Cecil Parkinson, a member of the House of Lords of the British Parliament. “I would like to assure you that everything, we shall agree about with you, will be rigorously implemented. All the agreements will be fulfilled within the shortest possible period,” the President stressed. “You will receive full support...

Seven citizens of Belarus have been awarded the Medal of Pushkin in recognition of their contribution to preserving and studying the Russian language, preserving the cultural heritage and also their contribution to cultures interaction. The awarding ceremony was held in the Russian Embassy in Minsk on March 7. The decree on awarding has been signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Belarus Alexander Surikov told...

Permanent plenipotentiary representatives of the CIS member states will discuss the agenda of the forthcoming session of the CIS Council of the Heads of Government in Minsk on March 11, BelTA learnt in the press service of the CIS Executive Committee. The session of the CIS Council of the Heads of Government is expected to be held on May 23 in Minsk. About 20 issues regarding the cooperation of the CIS member states in humanitarian, economic and security areas will be high on session’s...

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated Belarusian women on the Women’s Day, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Head of State. “This remarkable day is the declaration of love and respect towards women, - says the message. – The Belarusian women distinguish themselves by spiritual perfection, wisdom and charm. The nature endowed you with tenderness, optimism, willingness to work hard”. Alexander Lukashenko expressed gratitude to the women for their...

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin had a phone talk on March 6. The press service of the President of Belarus told BelTA, during the phone talk the sides discussed issues relating to the development of the Union State, enhancement of trade and economic relations, cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and in ensuring joint security, coordinated foreign policy actions and other areas of interest. The sides discussed prospects of building Olympic...