Indicators of Belarus's socio-economic development in 2010 indicate a return to sustainable development

October 29, Minsk / Vasily Malashenkov - BELTA /. The socio-economic development indicators of Belarus for the elapsed period of this year indicate the country's return to a trajectory of sustainable development. This was stated today at a joint meeting of the chambers of the National Assembly of Belarus by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Potupchik, BELTA correspondent reports. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Belarus is purposefully moving towards improving the standard of living and, most importantly, towards forming competitive human capital. According to a UN report, in 2009 Belarus was among the countries with a high level of human development and ranked 68th. At the same time, the country received the highest rating in the CIS. The President of Belarus has set a task to reach 50th place in this ranking by 2013. This will require hard work and the adoption of certain social, demographic, and other measures. At the same time, the post-crisis situation has forced many states to take a new look at their development. Belarus is currently developing a number of program documents, including the socio-economic development program for 2011-2015. This document will be submitted for discussion at the fourth All-Belarusian People's Congress. One of the priorities for the further development of the country is the innovative path, which relies on the human factor. Vladimir Potupchik emphasized that the economic policy of our country has always had a pronounced social orientation. The share of social expenditures in the total amount of the consolidated budget this year is 53% (Br19.2 trillion). Next year, it is planned to increase this figure to an amount exceeding Br27 trillion. This will allow for a 40% increase in basic social expenditures. In particular, it is planned that in 2011, social benefits, scholarships, and salaries of public sector employees will be increased. The increase in the latter, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, is extremely important for the competitiveness of the economy and will help retain specialists in these fields. -0-