Prospects for the development of the industrial complex of the Vitebsk region were discussed at a meeting of the regional employers' union
This time, the meeting was held at OJSC "Vityaz," and this is no coincidence. The company has successfully coped with the difficult situation that has developed this year. The plant has not only maintained its production volumes but also increased them.
– We had a backlog, signed contracts two years ago and continue to fulfill them. There is a way out of any situation, perhaps one needs to take risks somewhere, apply non-standard approaches. "Vityaz" mobilized, worked as one team, – said the head of the enterprise, Gennady Azarov.
The General Director recalled the period of 2012-2015, when the plant produced about a thousand televisions per year. Today, "Vityaz" is among the top 5 best brands in Russia. Vitebsk televisions are also gladly purchased in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Moldova – 90% of the manufactured products are exported. The television line is constantly expanding and increasing in volume. Medical equipment (sterilization and air purification apparatus) and plastic products are also in demand.
– Of course, we faced the problem of restricted contacts, we could not attend international exhibitions, where we traditionally look for partners and conclude new contracts. But it is important that we did not lose our markets, – noted Gennady Petrovich.
Gennady Azarov spoke about the plant's promising plans, including the production of electric vehicle charging systems. "Vityaz" is developing a 180-kilowatt charging station. This is a super-fast station that is in demand in the market.
In general, the results of the region's industrial development were summarized by the First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Oleg Matskevich.
– This year, the work of the industrial complex depended on a number of factors, including the current epidemiological situation, border closures, insufficient raw material supplies to Naftan, and others. As a result, the industrial production index for the region was 98% compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, in seven out of 13 sub-sectors of the manufacturing industry, it was possible to increase production volume. For the first half of the year, the industrial complex of Vitebsk region ensured profitable and gainful operation, – emphasized Oleg Matskevich.
And he cited specific figures. If last year profitability was 6%, this year it was 10.3%, and net profit increased from 297 million rubles to 571 million. Active work is underway in the region to create new industries; in recent years, many enterprises, including small businesses, have been opened and are successfully operating.
This year, the technical re-equipment and modernization of Orsha Linen Mill, Polotsk-Steklovolokno OJSC, Naftan, Energokomplekt, and Belvest continue. By the end of the year, it is planned to commission a plant for the production of sheet metal and tinplate in Miory. This is the only producer of electrolytically tinned sheet metal and cold-rolled sheet in Belarus. Cold-rolled metal is already being produced at the plant, which has immediately found a sales market. This year, import-substituting products worth 260 million dollars were produced, an increase of about 8% compared to the corresponding period in 2019.
– Vitebsk region's industry depends on markets, both near and far. About 60% of all products manufactured in the region are exported. We are working to fulfill the government's directive to maintain export ratios: 30% to the European Union, 30% to the EAEU, and 30% to Russia. Plus the domestic market – primarily import substitution. The pandemic has shown that we need to work in this direction too. A simple example: Belarus imports cables worth $300 million. Our enterprise "Energokomplekt" can fully replace imported volumes. Despite the economic threats and risks occurring throughout Europe, the region's agro-industrial complex will develop domestically and enter foreign markets. Five years ago, it was said that our dairy and meat products could not enter far abroad, but now we are successfully trading, particularly with China. I am confident that everything will be fine, – Oleg Sergeevich concluded.
Winners of the competition among young scientists and specialists were invited to the meeting of the regional employers' union. While presenting diplomas to the winners, Oleg Matskevich noted that the further development of industry is impossible without the integration of science and production, and close cooperation between educational institutions, enterprises, and authorities. One of the measures to increase the intellectual resource was the decision in 2006 to hold the competition. In 2020, 15 works from five universities were submitted for it, covering a wide range of research in medicine, mathematics, physics, economics, and ecology.
Among the awardees are Victoria Zemko, a postgraduate student at the Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation of Vitebsk Medical University; Anton Lavitsky, Head of the Department of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communications at MITSO; Olga Romanova, Associate Professor at the Department of Accounting, Finance, Logistics, and Management of PSU; and representatives from VSU named after P. Masherov – Tatyana Karaulova, postgraduate student at the Department of Algebra and Mathematics Teaching Methods; Elena Sotnikova, postgraduate student at the Department of Applied Psychology; Victoria Dolmatova, postgraduate student at the Department of Chemistry; and Ekaterina Katsnelson, a lecturer at the same department.
– These developments are the future of our Belarusian economy. It is important that they are implemented in production, – emphasized Oleg Matskevich.