June 23, Pozirk. Belarus’ five-month performance “inspires cautious optimism,” Prime Minister Alaksandar Turčyn has told journalists in Minsk following his meeting with Alaksandar Łukašenka.
“We have embarked on a path of growth, albeit modest, and our projections indicate that this trend will continue,” the government’s press office quoted him as saying.
However, just yesterday, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) lowered its previous forecast for Belarus’ GDP growth from 1.8 percent to 1.3 percent, while the government still expects the economy to grow by 2.8 percent in 2026.
Today, Turčyn’s meeting with Łukašenka reportedly focused on industry, agriculture and cooperation with friendly countries abroad.
“Regarding the situation in industry, I asked you to keep a tight rein on these issues,” the Belarusian ruler’s press office quoted him as saying. “This will be our most problematic sector, which must function properly and generate revenue, first and foremost for the budget, during these difficult times.”
Belarus’ GDP grew by 0.9 percent in January-May after contracting during the first three months of 2026. However, industrial production dropped by 1.4 percent in the first five months of 2026 versus a 1-percent rise reported in the same period last year, according to the official data.
