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you to? Why did the construction company stumble?" Lukashenko said.
Last month, Lukashenko changed the nation's prime minister, four deputies and a number of ministers in a move, which he explained as necessary after attempts by the government to implement unpopular economic reforms, including reforms demanded by the IMF, and the fact that some senior officials allegedly "drink a lot", which is "unacceptable" .
On September 18, Lukashenko said that after the appointment Vovk should do his best to "implement the president's resolutions in the Vitebsk region and fulfil your duties regardless of any opinions".
"Yes, there is a governor with his own tasks in the region. Help him if you can and monitor the fulfilment of all instructions regarding the development of the region,” BELTA news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying.
The president added that the post of a presidential aide is equal to a minister, and the post of an inspector is even higher because inspectors are in charge of personnel issues.
"I think this work will not be difficult for you with your experience," Lukashenko added. "You used to be a good director of an enterprise. A very good plant and a very smart person. And now you should do your best for the benefit of Belarus."
Vovk worked as the director of Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in 2011-2014.
3.0 Macro Economy 3.1 Macroeconomic overview
Belarus' GDP grew by 3.7% year-on-year in January-August following a 4.4% y/y growth in January-July, according to the national statistics agency Belstat.
The Belarusian economy was recovering well on the back of the ongoing recovery in neighbouring Russia, which saw 1.8% growth in the second quarter , the country's main trade partner. However, the current Minsk-Moscow dispute over oil products supplies and further financial support could harm Minsk's economy.
Belarus' GDP grew by 2.4% y/y in 2017 after two years of recession. It contracted 3.9% y/y in 2015 following 1.6% y/y growth in 2014.
Recently, the Belarusian government was forced to revise downward its forecast for the country’s GDP growth in 2019 (from 4.5% year-on-year to 2.1% y/y), according to the nation's new Economy Minister Dmitry Krutoy.
According to Belarusian officials, the new forecast take into account recent changes in the external economic environment, including changes in oil prices and the economic situations of the country's major trading partners, specifically, in Russia, and the values of their currencies.
8 BELARUS Country Report October 2018 www.intellinews.com