Prospects for the development of the light industry in Belarus were discussed in Vitebsk
The prospects for the development of the light industry in Belarus were discussed at the regular, sixth meeting of the season, of the Expert Advisory Council under the Presidium of the Council of the Republic, which took place at the Vitebsk State Technological University with the participation of the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova.
Natalya Kochanova, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Pyotr Parkhomchik, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, and Chairman of the Bellegprom Concern Tatyana Lugina familiarized themselves with the work of laboratories in the educational and laboratory building No. 5 of VSTU. The guests visited the laboratories for electroforming of nanofiber materials, footwear production, and the "Center for Additive Technologies." In the educational laboratory building No. 1, they viewed the exhibitions "Light Industry Through the Eyes of Students" and "Vitebsk State Technological University."
At the plenary session, representatives of ministries, heads of regions, and leaders of major light industry enterprises of the country spoke about the development of Bellegprom enterprises, the promotion of their products in domestic and foreign markets, and raised existing problems in the industry.
– We did not choose the issue of light industry development by chance. Belarus has good competencies, enterprises, and specialists in this field. As for any country, it is very important for us, – noted Natalya Kochanova.
The Chairman of the Bellegprom concern, Tatiana Lugina, spoke about the situation in the industry. She noted that today the Belarusian light industry is characterized by high quality and modern technologies. Despite sanctions, many of our enterprises are operating profitably. Products of light industry enterprises are exported to 95 countries worldwide. Belarusian flax has become the country's calling card and a global brand, while textiles and knitwear are marked with a quality seal. Import substitution and modernization processes are actively underway at light industry enterprises. Positive results have been achieved in the concern's economy over ten months.
Industrial production grew by 6%, revenue from sales by 14.3%, and net profit increased 2.8 times, amounting to 260 million rubles.
Constructive proposals were made regarding the further activities of the Bellegprom concern's enterprises. Personnel policy was also one of the main issues discussed at the expert advisory council.
As Natalia Kochanova noted, light industry is far from easy work, and the expert council will support proposals aimed at developing this industry.
– The university is a unique center of competence in the field of materials science and textile industry technology.
Bellegprom presented a large-scale exhibition of products manufactured by the concern's organizations. The exposition included collections of children's, women's, and men's clothing, complemented by footwear from leading Belarusian manufacturers. SOOO "Belvest", RUPTP "Orsha Linen Mill", and OJSC "Vitebsk Carpets" presented their stands among others.
Dmitry Khoma, Head of the Main Department for Education of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, spoke about the specialties in demand in the light industry that can be obtained in the region's educational institutions. Many of them also presented their exhibition areas.
VSTU, which is the leading university in the country for training personnel for the light industry, demonstrated the best scientific developments prepared in conjunction with the organizations of Bellegprom.
– The university develops thread structures, fabrics, their design solutions, and clothing and footwear design, – noted Elena Vankevich, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work of VSTU.
Natalia Kochanova communicated with students from different regions of Belarus and from Russia, who are also attracted by studying at the Vitebsk university.
Vitebsk State Industrial-Technological College and Polotsk State Chemical-Technological College, G. Semenov Orsha State Textile College, V. Chernyshev Baranovichi State College of Light Industry, and Minsk State College of Light Industry Technology and Design presented their exhibition areas.
"Vitebskiye Vesti"