Lukashenko notes positive dynamics in the development of the Vitebsk region
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko notes the positive dynamics in the socio-economic development of the Vitebsk region. The President announced this today during a working trip to the region, according to a BELTA correspondent.
The Governor of the Vitebsk region, Alexander Kosinets, reported on the progress of fulfilling the main forecast indicators. In particular, in such crucial areas as the growth of gross regional product and salaries, the region is among the leaders. In December of this year, the average salary is expected to be $580, and in 2015, its growth to $1,000 in equivalent terms is expected. At the same time, in the region, the growth rate of labor productivity outpaces the growth of wages. Revenue from the sale of products (goods, works, and services) per employee in 2012 will be almost $58,000. In 2013, it is planned to increase this figure to $70,000, and in 2015 - to $103,000.
At the same time, attention was drawn to the problem of enterprise indebtedness in the region and the need to develop a mechanism for repaying credit resources. In this regard, officials accompanying the President had different opinions, but Alexander Kosinets assured that the Vitebsk region is capable of fulfilling its obligations for loan repayment and servicing. "Yes, we have taken out loans, but we have managed to modernize many areas during the financial and economic crisis, and as a result, we are now generating added value and have competitive products, considering Russia's accession to the WTO. This (indebtedness - BELTA note) does not scare us. We have no overdue debt," the governor stated. Alexander Kosinets also reported on the modernization of industrial and agricultural organizations and the social sphere. "The Vitebsk region was practically dependent on imports. About 70% of industry relied on imported raw materials such as oil, gas, and fuel oil. Since 2008, we have set a task to develop processing industries, mechanical engineering, woodworking, and radio electronics. During this time, we have already reduced the share of the petrochemical industry by 10%. By 2015, its share should be only 45%," the governor said.
Reconstruction and modernization are also underway in the agro-industrial complex. In this sphere, Alexander Lukashenko once again recalled the need to ensure proper storage of equipment and inquired about the implementation of his instructions for the reconstruction of one dairy farm in each agricultural enterprise. As it turned out, there are some shortcomings in this matter. "This was a litmus test for all governors, assistants, heads of district executive committees, and farm managers, to see how independently you could mobilize and build such a complex in each enterprise. The task was to do this in 2012," the head of state noted, emphasizing that there are no more problems in the Vitebsk region than in other regions, and therefore the instruction must be fulfilled. At the same time, the President emphasized that in agriculture, not so much the increase in yield or milk yield is important, but rather the profit and profitability of the enterprises' operations. "This is important to me, of course, but even more important is whether you have money, whether people receive salaries," the Belarusian leader stressed.
Despite some omissions, Alexander Lukashenko generally gave a positive assessment of the region's development dynamics. "You have the right course - discipline, order. You took a loan - a debt must be repaid. Everything must be honest. You are doing this correctly," the President said, addressing Alexander Kosinets. "I see that you have, at least, positive dynamics. I do not see any deterioration in the region. You need to see the prospect. The fact that you have these plans, that you see the prospect, is a fact."