Law No. 279-Z “On state forecasting and programs of socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus”.

This Law outlines the legal framework for state forecasting and planning, emphasizing the development of comprehensive socio-economic strategies. It aims to ensure coherence among national, sectoral, and regional planning documents, with a focus on macroeconomic parameters, social structure, and environmental conditions. Key legal principles include the necessity for a systematic approach to socio-economic development, the integration of scientific and technical progress, and the establishment of a national strategy for sustainable development. The document specifies that the socio-economic development program is to be developed for a five-year period, initiated one year prior to its implementation. It mandates that the program's provisions serve as a foundation for governmental planning documents and the government's activity program. The concept of the socio-economic development program requires approval from the President, while the program itself is to be ratified by the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Additionally, state programs are to be created to achieve the goals outlined in the socio-economic development program, necessitating intersectoral and interregional cooperation. The implementation of these planning documents is overseen by the Council of Ministers, which defines the main stages, participants, and interaction procedures. The document allows for the involvement of public organizations and scientific entities in the development process. It emphasizes the importance of continuity and realism in planning, ensuring that the goals set are measurable and achievable, and that multiple scenarios are considered to account for various external and internal factors affecting socio-economic development.