Perspectiva aksks government to look into entrepreneurs' issues

The republican association of entrepreneurs Perspectiva has sent a letter to the government asking to react to the situation in the small business in Belarus. The work of most Belarusian shopping centres and markets has been paralyzed since January 1, civil activists say. Over 90% of shopping centers and markets all over the country have stopped functioning.

Perspectiva calls the situation ‘the consumer market collapse’ that has occurred because of officials’ negligence and disregard of numerous entrepreneurs’ suggestions.  The authors are asking the government to ‘get back to the round of reason and make adequate decisions taking entrepreneurs’ opinion into account’.

Meanwhile, 90% of entrepreneurs who sold goods without certificates last year ‘are ready for new working conditions’, Minister of Taxation Syarhei Nalivaika announced.

President’s Decree #222 came into force on January 1. Private entrepreneurs now need documents for goods imported from the other Customs Union member states. However, Russian suppliers are refusing to give them such documents or just make fake references, Belarusian private entrepreneurs say. As a result, our entrepreneurs are getting fined and their goods are being confiscated. Their numerous appeals for the cancellation of the decree have been ignored.