What hinders the development of manufacturing business? Entrepreneurs discussed in Vitebsk

Today, the economic sector places great hopes on business, given its flexibility and mobility, and therefore its more stable market position. At the same time, the focus is on manufacturing, linked to innovation, where there are more opportunities to produce competitive products, use modern technologies, and provide jobs. Of course, the existence of such a business is not easy, and it cannot do without the attention and support of the state, whose task is to create favorable conditions for private entrepreneurs. The return is expected to be commensurate.

In recent years, much has been done in this direction at the legislative level. Nevertheless, there are many issues that concern manufacturing businesses and hinder their development. This topic was the focus of a meeting of private manufacturing business owners in Vitebsk at the SPC "Spetssistema", initiated by the Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs. As reported by Andrei Sidorov, Director of Private Enterprise "Machine-Building Company "Vitebskiye Podemniki", he recently spoke with the head of the region, and Nikolai Sherstnev was interested in what hinders business operations in the Vitebsk region today.

Each of those present voiced their questions and proposals. It is worth noting that they spoke about truly important issues, but visible only to those who encounter them, facing serious obstacles or simply wasting time and effort. Andrei Sidorov noted shortcomings in customs legislation, which cause the enterprise to incur financial losses, the annual confirmation of certificates at the BelCCI for unchanged products, and discrepancies in legislative acts regarding what is included in the list of own-produced items.

Vladimir Kuznetsov, Director of SOOO "Vitebsk Non-Alcoholic Beverage Plant" (brand "Vita"), speaking from his own experience, talked about the difficulties encountered during construction for the purpose of expanding production: sometimes the construction itself takes a week, while documents and permits take months to collect.

Businessmen are also concerned by the fact that

Unused state property can be bought for a nominal fee, but it is very difficult to bring it into economic circulation. If this procedure were simplified, there would be less idle and decaying real estate. It also happens that when buying a building, local authorities impose additional obligations on the entrepreneur: to equip a parking lot, street lighting, and a storm sewer system, which is simply beyond the capabilities of a small enterprise with a staff of ten people. For many, the land tax coefficient in the regional center is prohibitive. According to businessmen, this is not the way to attract funds to the budget; it leads to losses, as some are forced to cease operations.

– Sometimes the issue is not with the legislation at all, but with the attitude of the executive committees, – noted Nikolai Silinov, Chairman of the Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs, General Director of Allianceplast LLC. – When I opened a new workshop in Shumilino, I really saw the support of the local authorities. They were interested in the appearance of production and new jobs, and provided assistance. But, unfortunately, it's not like that everywhere. I would like the regions to think about comprehensive business support and its сопровождение from project to opening, this would attract novice entrepreneurs.

By the way, this was mentioned at a recent meeting of the regional executive committee dedicated to the development of the entrepreneurial sector in the Vitebsk region by Gennady Grebnev, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. He stated that in some districts, a constant dialogue between business and authorities has not been established, which affects the economy, and set the task of creating conditions for the effective operation of entrepreneurship. Time will tell how it will be implemented. But in general, it is strange that such a task has to be set, because who, if not the district executive committees themselves, should be interested in attracting additional finances and employment of the population. In the meantime, businesses will talk about their problems to be heard.

By the way

As noted in the association, all proposals will be summarized, and seminars with specific

specialists who will help resolve emerging issues, and, of course, communication with authorities. On the same principle, the business community will hold meetings with participants from the spheres of trade, services, and others.

Olga Maslovskaya, "Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos from open sources.