Golovchenko: retaliatory measures to Lithuania's actions will not impact the Belarusian economy or consumers

Roman Golovchenko, March 15, MINSK . Retaliatory measures to Lithuania's unfriendly actions will not impact the Belarusian economy or consumers, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko told reporters, according to a BelTA correspondent. Belarus has introduced retaliatory measures in response to Lithuania's unfriendly actions by closing two border crossing points. "We are talking about two government decrees that impose bans. The first concerns products from Lithuania, primarily food products. We imported a small amount of these annually – around $5-6 million. I am confident that the ban will have no impact on our economy or consumer market. And those who can't live without Lithuanian chocolate will not suffer. Both decrees do not apply to individuals or goods for personal use," Roman Golovchenko noted.

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The second resolution introduces restrictions on the supply of industrial goods. "A total of approximately 60,000 tons worth of these goods were imported into Belarus last year. But this doesn't mean these goods won't reach us. They will simply go via a different logistics route—through Latvia and Poland. The ban applies only to their import through the Belarusian-Lithuanian border," the prime minister noted.

"The decision on retaliatory measures is absolutely well-considered, calculated, and was prepared by groups of experts. Neither the people nor the market will notice this," the HEAD of government emphasized.

As reported, the government expanded the list of goods prohibited from import and sale in Belarus. The corresponding changes were made to Council of Ministers Resolution No. 700 of December 6, 2021. Specifically, the list now includes certain goods originating from Lithuania: condensed MILK and cream, fruits and nuts,Coffee , fruit juices, water, vinegar, tights, stockings, knee-highs, socks, and other hosiery, certain construction products, refrigerators, and freezers. The Belarusian

government has also imposed a ban on the import of certain goods across the Belarusian-Lithuanian border. The following goods are prohibited from import for sale and consumption in Belarus: water, beer , wine, grape must, vermouth, other fermented beverages, ethyl ALCOHOL, vinegar, tires and pneumatic rubber tires, clothing, and other used goods, as well as used vehicle parts and accessories.