Alexander Subbotin: "We will support the development of the FEZ "Vitebsk""
Possible development directions and support mechanisms are to be determined in the near future during joint consultations with the FEZ administration and enterprises.
— Today, the FEZ "Vitebsk" is one of the main development points of the region. The most advanced industries and technologies are concentrated here, including thanks to the best business conditions created at this site, — noted the head of the region. — That is why we will pay great attention to the development of the FEZ and resident enterprises, supporting and assisting them in every possible way. A difficult path lies ahead, but I am confident that together we will overcome any difficulties.
According to Alexander Subbotin, it is planned to discuss the work of enterprises on an industry-specific basis in the near future, as well as large residents, including options and mechanisms for their support, and to determine possible development directions for the FEZ "Vitebsk". Addressing the management corps, Alexander Subbotin emphasized the need to make the "Made in Vitebsk Region" brand even more recognizable and significant, and great expectations are placed on the work of the FEZ "Vitebsk" in this endeavor.
Summarizing the results of 2021, the head of the FEZ administration, Mikhail Skurat, reported that 3 new organizations were registered as residents of the FEZ "Vitebsk" with a total declared investment volume of $3 million. Under the business restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the resident enterprises increased their industrial production volumes by 39%, and the growth rate of revenue from the sale of goods (products, works, services) exceeded 138%. The companies exported goods worth almost $873 million (growth rate of 157.3%), with the share of the FEZ in the export indicator of the Vitebsk region amounting to about 34%.
In 2021, it was possible to attract $45 million in foreign investment. At the same time, the growth rate of direct investment on a net basis was 105.4%, and the share of FEZ "Vitebsk" in the similar regional indicator was 46%.
Analyzing the achievements and shortcomings, Mikhail Skurat placed a special emphasis on increasing labor productivity and, accordingly, the need for an adequate increase in the material remuneration of employees. Based on the results of 2021, the average monthly salary across the FEZ increased by 21.6% and amounted to 1,377 rubles.
— I appeal primarily to state-owned enterprises: it is necessary to take comprehensive measures to find additional ways to increase labor productivity and a corresponding increase in wages. Respect the work of your employees! — Mikhail Skurat urged the managers.
The event discussed potential areas of cooperation between the FEZ administration, resident enterprises, and the Russian Skolkovo fund. These include innovative solutions for various sectors of the real economy, industrial digital transformation projects, promotion of partner interests in third-country markets, and others. As noted by Alexander Okunev, Deputy Vice President for Regional Development of the fund, who participated in the event online, a roadmap for cooperation development will be formed together with Vitebsk partners in the near future.
Traditionally, when summarizing the year's results, the administration of the Vitebsk FEZ recognized the individual achievements of enterprises in several nominations. UP "Polimierkonstruktsiya" was recognized as the best resident of the Vitebsk FEZ based on the results of work in 2021. For the first time in the history of the FEZ, the company has been awarded the honorary title for the second time, which is accompanied by a certificate and a challenge banner from the FEZ administration. Thus, the growth rate of Polimierkonstruktsiya's production volume exceeded 194%, revenue from product sales increased by almost 2 times, and exports doubled, while wages grew by more than a third.
In addition, Polotsk Forestry and OOO "PO "Energokomplekt" were recognized as the best producers of 2021. In the "Best Investor" nomination, OAO "Orshansky Instrumental Plant" was awarded a certificate. The best exporters (of goods and services, respectively) were recognized as OAO "Vityaz" and OOO "Syrievye resursy-Bel". OAO "Polotsk-Stekl fiber" was noted for the best financial result.
