Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko received a report from Vladimir Orlovsky, Chairman of the State Customs Committee.

"The customs service is an unprecedented budget contributor. I am informed that this year, despite certain difficulties, you have even increased the level compared to last year - by almost 3.5%. This is good growth," the head of state noted. "Nevertheless, I would like to hear about the problems in this regard."

"The crude economic blows from the European Union and the West in general have not gone away. A reorientation of trade flows to the East is underway. Is it working, or not? What are the problems in this regard?" the Belarusian leader clarified.

According to the Prime Minister and the government, who informed the President, Belarus has managed to reorient its trade flows eastward. The head of state pointed to recent talks with the Americans as evidence. Previously, Alexander Lukashenko had stated about the supply of Belarusian potash fertilizers to the USA. At the same time, the Belarusian side cannot supply large volumes to the Americans, as the products for this year are already contracted.

"Even if we wanted to supply (potash. - BELTA note) to other, Western markets, there simply aren't these volumes - everything is already under contract," the Belarusian leader reminded.

He also clarified the situation with supplies of goods from unfriendly countries that have imposed sanctions against Belarus.

The head of state raised another issue related to the reorientation of trade flows. This concerns Russia's introduction of the System for Confirmation of Expectation of Goods (SPOT). "How are we affected by the measures taken by the Russian Federation to protect its market - the so-called SPOT? Generally speaking, I follow the situation and am informed that you have managed to establish good, strong relations with Russia regarding the introduction of these measures, and our carriers are not experiencing any serious problems. This is good," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.

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

The Chairman of the State Customs Committee reported to the President on how trade flows are forming at the border in the current situation. "Currently, 85% of all Belarusian exports and imports for Belarusian enterprises is the eastern direction. Primarily China and other Asian countries. Of course, also the Russian Federation," he noted.

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