Government reacts to entrepreneurs' demands after strike

BELTA reports the meeting gathered officials from "all interested agencies of public administration."

After "thorough examination" of all the issues in question, the cabinet noted that "all subjects of entrepreneurship should follow the technical regulations of the Customs Union." At the same time, those in the meeting noted that sole entrepreneurs who pay a single tax could take use of simplified procedures to confirm the certificate of origin in the period through July 1, 2014. This measure was set out in a joint resolution by Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and National Standard Committee dated June 21.

The resolution also allows entrepreneurs to sell their stock without Customs Union ceritificates through July 1, 2014.

The meeting also agreed that no measures of administrative punishment should be applied against entrepreneuers for violating the Customs Union certification regulations. The government of Belarus will also address the issue with the Eurasian Economic Commission so that the technical regulations are observed by all members of the Customs Union.

On June 27, entrepreneurs in Belarus staged a one-day strike protesting against the requirements in the technical regulations of the Customs Union. Under the rules, entrepreneurs shall have quality ceritificates for shoes and clothes they sell. The leader of entrepreneurs, Аnatol Shumchanka spent 5 days of arrest for staging an unauthorized mass action. Entrepreneurs announced plans to stage a street protest on July 15 in Minsk.

Photo: bymedia.net