Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko received a report from the Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Vladimir Orlovsky, BELTA reports. "Customs is primarily about the budget. I am informed that this year, despite certain difficulties, you have even increased the figure compared to last year's level — by almost 3.5%. That's good growth," the head of state noted. "Nevertheless, I would like to hear about the problems in this regard."

The service of remote registration for queueing to cross the border is in high demand — State Customs Committee

"There have been no major economic setbacks from the countries of the European Union and the West in general. There is a reorientation of trade flows to the east. It's working, it's not working — what are the problems in this regard?" the Belarusian leader clarified.

As the Prime Minister and the government inform the President, Belarus has generally managed to reorient its trade flows eastward. The head of state pointed out that one piece of evidence of this is the negotiations Belarus is conducting with the Americans. Earlier, Alexander Lukashenko stated the supply of Belarusian potash fertilizers to the USA. At the same time, the Belarusian side cannot supply large volumes to the Americans, since the produced products are already contracted for this year. "Even if we wanted to supply it to other, Western markets, those volumes simply don't exist — everything is under contract," the Belarusian leader reminded.

He also clarified how the situation is developing with the supply of goods from unfriendly countries that have imposed sanctions against Belarus.

The head of state identified another issue related to the reorientation of trade flows. This concerns the introduction by Russia of a system for confirming the expected arrival of goods (SPOT). "How are the measures taken by the Russian Federation to protect its market affecting us — the so-called SPOT? In general terms, of course, I am following the situation and I am informed that you have managed to establish good relations with Russia regarding the introduction of these measures, and our carriers are not experiencing any serious problems. That's good," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.

Belarus and Russia are developing joint documents to simplify the SPOT procedure — State Customs Committee

"How is the customs infrastructure operating on the eastern and western directions? What, perhaps, needs to be done to make the work more efficient?" the Belarusian leader asked Vladimir Orlovsky.

The head of the State Customs Committee reported to the President how cargo flows are being formed at the border under the current circumstances. "Currently, 85% of Belarusian exports and imports for Belarusian enterprises are headed eastward. First and foremost, China and other Asian countries. Of course, the Russian Federation as well," he noted.

Speaking about revenue inflows to the state budget, Vladimir Orlovsky noted that growth of almost 3.5% has been recorded over eight months. This month, the growth indicator stands at 5.2%.