Winners of the 'Best Exporter-2019' competition were awarded at the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee
The event is organized by the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the 15th time. However, considering the epidemiological situation, it was decided to deviate from the traditional format and honor the best in the regions, rather than in the capital as before. According to the Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vladimir Ulakhovich, in the current conditions of universal pandemic restrictions, the importance of export activities increases manifold. Today, thanks to the activity of domestic producers in foreign markets, stable state construction is ensured in Belarus, a decent level of social security for citizens is maintained, as well as a positive international image of the country. The "Best Exporter" competition serves as a tool for public recognition and emphasizes the importance of success in this field.
This time, out of 160 applicants, the competition commission selected winners in 22 nominations. In terms of the number of leaders, the Vitebsk region surpassed other regions; only the Gomel region is represented in the cohort of the best with the same number of crystal statuettes awarded.
Among the winners are OOO "PO "Energokomplekt", GLKHU "Orshansky Leskhoz", IP "VIK-Zdorovye Zhivotnykh", OOO "Alyansplast", SOOO "Transeksppeditsiya". Two more enterprises – OAO "Vitebskiye Kovry" and OAO "Vitebskiy Masloekstraktsionnyy Zavod" – were awarded incentive diplomas.
— You are the pride of the Vitebsk region, please convey my gratitude to your teams for the successes achieved, which have to be ensured in much harsher northern conditions compared to other regions, — Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev addressed the corps of directors. — Competition is developed everywhere today, it is difficult to surprise someone. You are succeeding, which speaks of the high technological level of your organizations, the competitiveness of your products, and, in general, the stability and resilience of the team.
The head of the region wished the leaders not to lower the bar, because it is always more difficult to stay at the top than to conquer it. Therefore, strenuous work is ahead to build up competitive advantages. Speaking in response, the directors of the enterprises were unanimous — the successes achieved were made possible by the diligent work of cohesive teams. For example, at Allianceplast LLC, which has repeatedly won the republican competition, more than 460 people work, with many working in families. "Behind every production indicator, every figure of export growth, there are employees, their well-being. Therefore, when giving a public assessment of the enterprise's achievements in foreign markets, we pay tribute primarily to these people," noted Pavel Vorzobov, Deputy General Director of Allianceplast.
VIK Animal Health IE was recognized as the best in the nomination "Production of goods intended for treatment and rehabilitation". Stable demand for the Vitebsk manufacturer's products in foreign markets is confirmed by export performance. The share of products shipped to foreign markets in the total production volume exceeds 90%. The traditional focus on the Russian market does not prevent the manufacturer from constantly expanding its export geography. Today, VIK has supplies to almost 30 countries, including post-Soviet states and the European Union, as well as the Middle East.
For the third consecutive year, the successes of Vitebsk Carpets OJSC in foreign markets have been recognized with an award diploma. For the enterprise, the main foreign trade destinations remain Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Moldova. In 2019, the joint-stock company exported 19.6 million square meters of carpet products, which is almost 93% of the total production volume. In monetary terms, the export volume exceeded 46 million dollars.
Along with maintaining positions in established markets, one of the main tasks for Vitebsk Carpets in 2020 is export diversification to reduce currency risks. This will primarily be achieved by developing markets in European Union countries. Specifically, woven carpet products, including mats and tufted items, are supplied to and are popular in Finland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Certification of products in accordance with the international Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex in 2020 will contribute to the promotion of products in the highly competitive European market. Obtaining this certification confirms the ecological safety of the enterprise's products during use, including in direct contact with the skin. The presence of this certificate is very important for foreign partners, therefore, obtaining it will increase the chances of success in the Western direction.
Based on materials from: "Vitebskiye Vesti", BELTA.