Five events of the past year through the eyes of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin
The outgoing year was challenging and multifaceted. It became a turning point in the history of many states and peoples, and we have yet to assess it. Over this year, we realized that nothing is more important than peace and human life, and how crucial it is to value and cherish the independence of our Belarus.
Despite external pressure, the country is developing and proudly forging its own path. Its glorious history is shaped by the large and small events that fill the lives of cities and villages. "Vitbichi" asked the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, to name the five most vivid and memorable facts from the region's life.
This leitmotif became key during another significant event – the solemn raising of the State Flag of the Republic of Belarus on one of the highest points in Vitebsk – the spire of the Regional Executive Committee building. We will hold a series of significant events in this square, emphasizing respect for state symbols and the independence of our country.
To a certain extent, thanks to our agrarians, branded bread has appeared in the region. More than 20 hours of preparation, 7 stages of the technological process, and 3 types of flour – this is all about the handmade novelty "Karavay Pridvinya" from OJSC "Vitebskhlebprom". This product will become a kind of visiting card of the region, as it is planned to meet delegations from far and near abroad with it.
The regional "Dazhynki" became a truly popular gratitude to the workers of the bread field. By the way, this year they were transformed. On September 17, on the Day of National Unity in Glubokoye, we launched a festive marathon in all regions of the Vitebsk region, where district events were held. And the results of the dozhinochny tour were summed up in Vitebsk on the eve of the Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Workers of the Agro-Industrial Complex. We are looking at the new format, listening to the feedback from participants and guests. If such an innovation has a positive effect, it will take root. Although further improvement is not excluded in this case either.
Enterprises of the region ship goods to 77 countries; compared to 2021, their number has decreased, but not critically – by 4 states. Over 1.5 thousand product names are exported. The share of supplies to distant countries has increased by a third, and to China – by three times. At the same time, almost half of the exports to the Celestial Empire consist of food and agricultural raw materials.We maintain traditions of good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation with our partners from Russia. Verified and coordinated actions open new horizons for the development of national economies and the improvement of citizens' well-being. In September, Vitebsk Region Days were held in Pskov, one of the central events of which was a presentation of our region's potential. And in 2023, Days of the Pskov Region are planned to be held in Vitebsk. This is an example of how joint projects add momentum to the development of bilateral relations.
A significant date was the 1030th anniversary of the founding of the Polotsk Diocese – the first on the territory of modern Belarus. This highly spiritual celebration became a kind of day of unity not only for our people but also for all believers from different countries, and for the Vitebsk region, it has a sacred meaning. It is noteworthy that His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' took part in the celebrations.
Great attention is paid to the work on repair, improvement, restoration of memorialmaterials, monuments of military glory, individual and mass graves of soldiers. In 2022, more than 50 educational institutions were named after Heroes of the Soviet Union, famous fellow countrymen, with the creation of museum rooms and murals on buildings.
The name of Efrosinya Zenkova was given to Secondary School No. 28 in Vitebsk. A new military-historical museum named after Hero of the Soviet Union Konstantin Zaslonov in Orsha has become a center for patriotic education. In my opinion, the theme of the historical past should be constantly present in our lives. The years of military trials and hardships have developed in people a heightened sense of responsibility for peace and order. Today we see that certain foreign forces are constantly trying to lecture us, to force us to submit to their rules, to abandon our values. At the same time, the most unscrupulous methods are used. One of them is attempts to split Belarusian society, to bring it to the brink of civil conflict. This must not be allowed! We must preserve and maintain the political stability of our country. This is exactly how any state that wants to remain independent on the world map acts.
"Vitbichi"
Despite external pressure, the country is developing and proudly forging its own path. Its glorious history is shaped by the large and small events that fill the lives of cities and villages. "Vitbichi" asked the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, to name the five most vivid and memorable facts from the region's life.
1. From the Republican Referendum to the Raising of the Flag of Belarus on the Regional Executive Committee Building.
One of the milestones in the life of our republic is the amendment of the Basic Law. The proposed innovations are modern and timely. During the public discussion, a huge number of proposals were received, people participated in dialogue platforms, and voiced their specific ideas. The situation around our country also spurred political activity. All this made many realize: if we are not masters in our own home, if we do not build a competent and effective strategy, we will simply be wiped off the face of the earth as a nation. Therefore, I am confident that the majority voted for the aspiration of Belarusians to live in peace and harmony.This leitmotif became key during another significant event – the solemn raising of the State Flag of the Republic of Belarus on one of the highest points in Vitebsk – the spire of the Regional Executive Committee building. We will hold a series of significant events in this square, emphasizing respect for state symbols and the independence of our country.
One Million Tons of Grain Harvested, Branded Bread, and a New Format for "Dazhynki".
This year, the Vitebsk region harvested over 1 million 250 thousand tons of grain, with an average yield of 31 centners per hectare. This is one of the best results in the modern history of Belarus. A quarter of the region's harvest was formed by the Orsha and Vitebsk districts, each of which exceeded a hundred thousand tons harvested. This fact indicates that the Vitebsk region is home to people of special fortitude, distinguished by their hard work and dedication.dedication to a chosen cause. The result of the work of rural workers is in every home.To a certain extent, thanks to our agrarians, branded bread has appeared in the region. More than 20 hours of preparation, 7 stages of the technological process, and 3 types of flour – this is all about the handmade novelty "Karavay Pridvinya" from OJSC "Vitebskhlebprom". This product will become a kind of visiting card of the region, as it is planned to meet delegations from far and near abroad with it.
The regional "Dazhynki" became a truly popular gratitude to the workers of the bread field. By the way, this year they were transformed. On September 17, on the Day of National Unity in Glubokoye, we launched a festive marathon in all regions of the Vitebsk region, where district events were held. And the results of the dozhinochny tour were summed up in Vitebsk on the eve of the Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Workers of the Agro-Industrial Complex. We are looking at the new format, listening to the feedback from participants and guests. If such an innovation has a positive effect, it will take root. Although further improvement is not excluded in this case either.
3. The country's first production of a vaccine against COVID-19.
The pandemic has made many adjustments to our lives. People have rethought a lot, learned to treat each other more carefully. It so happened that the Vitebsk region was the first in the republic to face the coronavirus onslaught. The region responded adequately to the situation. From the very beginning, a set of preventive measures was carried out, the main goal of which is to protect the life and health of people. Now the region has entered a new stage of development in this direction. It is associated with the creation at OJSC "BelVitunipharm" of the first pilot production of a vaccine against COVID-19 in the republic. The domestic vaccine against coronavirus infection is not inferior to foreign analogues in its characteristics, and is adapted to the genotype of the Belarusian people. And this is a big step forward and a breakthrough in ensuring the biological security of the country.4. Development of the foreign economic circuit.
The last few years have been a real test for world economic relations: thoughtless sanctions restrictions have been imposed, long-standing trade relationships have been destroyedand transport links. Such conditions necessitate greater focus and determination, and the formation of new economic drivers. And what is noteworthy: taking advantage of the situation, many have competently adjusted their approaches to organizing technological processes, thereby increasing their efficiency.Enterprises of the region ship goods to 77 countries; compared to 2021, their number has decreased, but not critically – by 4 states. Over 1.5 thousand product names are exported. The share of supplies to distant countries has increased by a third, and to China – by three times. At the same time, almost half of the exports to the Celestial Empire consist of food and agricultural raw materials.We maintain traditions of good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation with our partners from Russia. Verified and coordinated actions open new horizons for the development of national economies and the improvement of citizens' well-being. In September, Vitebsk Region Days were held in Pskov, one of the central events of which was a presentation of our region's potential. And in 2023, Days of the Pskov Region are planned to be held in Vitebsk. This is an example of how joint projects add momentum to the development of bilateral relations.
5. Projects of the Year of Historical Memory.
The narrative of the Year of Historical Memory is a broad panorama of unique and interesting projects. The number of events dedicated to significant historical figures and events in the country's history is countless. But each of them created an amazing atmosphere, imbued with the importance and necessity of remembering the past, preserving security and peace in one's soul, in one's families, in one's state. This is the foundation of strong social ties.A significant date was the 1030th anniversary of the founding of the Polotsk Diocese – the first on the territory of modern Belarus. This highly spiritual celebration became a kind of day of unity not only for our people but also for all believers from different countries, and for the Vitebsk region, it has a sacred meaning. It is noteworthy that His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' took part in the celebrations.
Great attention is paid to the work on repair, improvement, restoration of memorialmaterials, monuments of military glory, individual and mass graves of soldiers. In 2022, more than 50 educational institutions were named after Heroes of the Soviet Union, famous fellow countrymen, with the creation of museum rooms and murals on buildings.
The name of Efrosinya Zenkova was given to Secondary School No. 28 in Vitebsk. A new military-historical museum named after Hero of the Soviet Union Konstantin Zaslonov in Orsha has become a center for patriotic education. In my opinion, the theme of the historical past should be constantly present in our lives. The years of military trials and hardships have developed in people a heightened sense of responsibility for peace and order. Today we see that certain foreign forces are constantly trying to lecture us, to force us to submit to their rules, to abandon our values. At the same time, the most unscrupulous methods are used. One of them is attempts to split Belarusian society, to bring it to the brink of civil conflict. This must not be allowed! We must preserve and maintain the political stability of our country. This is exactly how any state that wants to remain independent on the world map acts.
"Vitbichi"