Основные проблемы таможенной политики Республики Беларусь

Abstract

The article studies the evolution of basic legislative acts regulating the foreign economic policy of the Republic of Belarus. It notes that the rates of customs duties were increased on average by 5—10 % after the adoption of n ew laws. The introduction of the rates of customs duties identical to the Russian ones does not always represent the economic interests of the Republic of Belarus. Some of t h em are extremely high, others are too low which does not always positively affect Belarusian producers. Besides, one of the immediate tasks of the Belarusian foreign policy lies in joining the WTO, thus requiring the customs duties reduction and the and removing of non-tariff barriers to international trade. Joining the WTO will provide legal protection of the country's economic interests and give access to the mechanism of settlement of the disputes within the WTO framework since the corresponding body of this organization (Dispute Settlement Body) traditionally takes into consideration the conformity of the country's actions to the WTO norms and principles, not focusing on the political and economic status of the country. In its turn, Belarus should make certain concessions and take on responsibilities for admitting foreign goods and services to the Belarusian market. They will be "packaged" and introduced into the list to become an integral part of the WTO agreement. The opening of the domestic market will trigger the competition rise connected with the activities of foreign producers. On the other side, this competition will be an additional incentive for the quality improvement of Belarusian goods, the staff retraining etc., thus facilitating the process of transition to market relations. What regards the reduction of import customs duties, one can distinguish between three groups of commodities and, consequently, three approaches. The most vulnerable to opening the borders is the group in the agricultural sphere, light and chemical industries. Owing to this fact, the rates of customs duties for the goods produced by these industries should be slightly increased. The second group consists of the commodities not produced in Belarus (raw materials, materials, semi-manufactured articles) that should have zero rates: coffee, sunflower-seeds, feeding stuffs, r aw tobacco, a number of chemical materials and medicines. The third group consists of the commodities that require no protection, however, they are taxed rather heavily in comparison with the EU rate. These rates should become a matter of negotiation. No less important for the country is joining the General Agreement on the Service Trade (GATS) and the WTO agreement on the aspects of rights for intellectual property related to trade (TRIPs). Joining the GATS is important and relevant because the service industries have become the most dynamic sector of foreign economic activities, with a stable positive balance.