The head of state called on the delegates to engage in persistent joint work for the well-being of the republic.

At the second All-Belarusian People's Assembly, priority areas for the country's development for 2001-2005 were determined. In connection with the 30th anniversary of the VNS, BELTA offers to recall the history of one of the most important bodies of the political system of Belarus.

Fact 9. Delegates of the second VNS determined the priority areas for the development of Belarus for 2001-2005

The second All-Belarusian People's Assembly was held at the Minsk Palace of the Republic on May 18-19, 2001, and was held under the slogan "For a strong and prosperous Belarus!". About 2,5 thousand delegates of the assembly assessed the results of the implementation of socio-economic plans for the past five years.

Thanks to the implementation of the 1996-2000 program, the country's economy demonstrated confident growth: the gross domestic product increased by 35.7%, and industrial production grew by 64.4%. During this period, investments in fixed capital increased by 33.2%, and the volume of housing put into operation increased by 81.1%. At the same time, real monetary incomes of citizens increased by 71.6%. As a result, by 2000, the republic was able to exceed the pre-crisis level of 1990 in terms of industrial production, production of consumer goods, and the level of real incomes of the population.

During the assembly, the delegates also approved the key areas of socio-economic development of the republic for the period from 2001 to 2005. The main state priorities included ensuring food security, increasing exports, housing construction, as well as attracting investments and introducing innovations.

The implementation of the planned program led to a significant slowdown in inflationary processes: the combined index of consumer prices decreased from 207.5% in 2000 to 108% in 2005. Over the five-year period, the volume of investments in the economy grew by 84%, and the growth of the gross domestic product was 43.1%. The positive dynamics were also reflected in the well-being of citizens – by the end of 2005, the average monthly salary of workers reached $261 in equivalent, exceeding the forecast indicator of $250.

The President addressed the gathering with a report. The main thesis of the speech was the assertion that Belarus has established itself as a sovereign and independent state.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded the delegates of the decision to abandon destructive methods of "shock therapy" and uncontrolled privatization in the 1990s. According to the Head of State, the country did not go down the path of selling off factories, plants, and land for pennies, despite the expectations of those who hoped to benefit from the people's property. The President emphasized that Belarus chose the path of evolutionary development, which ultimately fully justified itself.

The country's foreign policy and national security issues also took a key place in Alexander Lukashenko's speech. The Head of State emphasized that the next five years will be crucial for strengthening statehood, developing democracy, improving legislation, as well as forming a mature civil society and local self-government institutions. The President separately noted that building a civil society is based on strict adherence to the Constitution, laws, and constructive interaction between all social strata, parties, and branches of power, which completely excludes any manifestations of radicalism and extremism.

In conclusion, Alexander Lukashenko quoted the classic of Belarusian literature, Yakub Kolas: "There is nothing more wonderful and precious for a person than their Motherland. A person without a Motherland is a beggar." The Head of State called on the delegates to work together tirelessly for the well-being of the republic.

Today, the All-Belarusian People's Assembly is the highest constitutional body of people's power, which determines the country's strategic course, ensures the stability of the state system, and public consensus. In its updated status, meetings of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly are held every year. The next, third meeting of the VII All-Belarusian People's Assembly will take place in Minsk on December 17-18, 2026.