Experts in Polotsk discussed the economic development of regions and the reform of local self-government
The meeting touched upon the economic development of districts and cities. Experts focused on stimulating entrepreneurial initiative among the population. It is necessary to teach children financial literacy from an early age, the ability to implement their ideas in various forms, including business projects.
Veronika Skopiyuk, Deputy Director for Educational Work at Polotsk State Gymnasium No. 1 named after F. Skorina, noted the importance of developing student business companies. Currently, about 80% of such associations are located in Minsk and the surrounding region. In the Vitebsk region, there are four: two in Vitebsk, and one each in Braslav and Novopolotsk. According to the educator, it is important for schoolchildren that their ideas are realized in practice and have a tangible return, a palpable effect. "It is also necessary to cooperate with entrepreneurship centers so that businessmen can come to schoolchildren and talk about their successful projects as well as their failures. So that students can realistically assess their capabilities and know about the risks involved in starting their own business," said Veronika Skopiyuk.
Veronika SkopiyukExperts emphasized that the lack of necessary infrastructure hinders the development of citizens' initiative. Not everyone has a financial cushion, and banks are not always willing to lend money for starting a business. According to the meeting participants, unleashing business initiative and fostering creativity contributes to the formation of a competitive environment, job creation, and an improved standard of living.
Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Council of Deputies Oleg Buevich drew attention to bureaucracy in procurement and tenders. He also considers it important to give more powers to local authorities, for example, in forming and spending the budget. "Therefore, the position of the country's top leadership is correct, that regions should be given more independence. The section of the Constitution 'Local Government and Self-Government' needs to be substantially reworked, and options for changes should be discussed at the All-Belarusian People's Assembly," Oleg Buevich added.
Oleg Buevich
A dialogue platform on economic topics was held at Polotsk State University. About 20 people took part in the discussion of issues - teachers, educators, lawyers, representatives of local authorities, heads of organizations in Novopolotsk and Polotsk. The main proposals will be accumulated and sent to the regional commission, which collects ideas for the All-Belarusian National Assembly.
