Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has signed Decree No. 294 to establish additional conditions conducive to trade in rural communities across eight districts, BelTA learned from the president’s press service.
The designated districts include Braslav, Vileika, Gorodok, Dubrovno, Kostsiukovichi, Tolochin, Khotimsk and Sharkovshchina. The decree permits trade operators who hold over 20% retail market within these districts to expand their commercial premises.
Previously, Decree No. 297 “On Conducting an Experiment” dated 26 July 2018 had lifted similar restrictions in Orsha District, which demonstrated positive impacts on retail services for the local population.
The decree also establishes that any expansion of retail space is permitted only upon concluding a public service agreement with the respective district executive committee. Additionally, it mandates prior approval from district authorities for the routes of mobile shops operating in rural areas.
According to the decree, government authorities shall bear responsibility for unsatisfactory public trade services, and corporate executives shall be held liable for improper management of retail operations.
The decree is designed to enhance social responsibility among rural trade operators and to improve the quality of retail services in these areas.