President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is on a working trip to the Vitebsk region
While visiting the urban-type settlement of Kopys, the Head of State heard reports on the socio-economic development of this settlement – relevant instructions were given by him in November 2016.
During this time, the engineering and transport infrastructure of the settlement was improved, including the reconstruction of the street and road network; new social, commercial, tourist, and sports facilities were created; and existing enterprises were modernized. At the same time, as reported to the President, the wishes of local residents were taken into account. All work was carried out in the shortest possible time, with high quality and at a low cost.
"I want to emphasize once again for everyone that we are not doing this just for show. In fact, we want to show how we should improve similar urban-type settlements," stated Alexander Lukashenko. "We have, perhaps, 60-70 such settlements. Naturally, they need to be brought into good condition."
At the same time, the Head of State noted that the improvement of these settlements needs to be carefully considered, with consultations with local residents, but without excess. "We have improved one settlement. We will bring all the governors here. Starting next year, in each region, you must take two settlements and improve them every year. Exactly as we did here in Kopys, we must put them in order. Then we will complete the vertical of the country's recovery, which I spoke about: Minsk, regional centers, district centers (they are all in order, even in the Vitebsk region), below are agro-towns (we also know how to do this), then come urban-type settlements and villages where the centers of collective farms used to be," the President noted.
As for the so-called unpromising villages, the main efforts will not be focused on them, but if people are found who wish to undertake their improvement, it will not be prohibited. "We have many people who were born there, went to school there, and want to put them in order," noted Alexander Lukashenko.ko.
The President emphasized that at the same time, it is necessary to open production facilities in small settlements, creating jobs for local residents. They must meet the best world standards. "We have already passed more than half of the way in this regard. We need to complete this process," the Head of State instructed.
He cited OJSC "Alexandriyskoye" as an example - this large agricultural holding united several small farms. Near it, it is planned to create an even more promising production facility - LLC "Kupalovskoye". The village of Kopys is located precisely between them. "Why not do processing here? And perhaps, in the future, we will unite these two holdings into one, and the main processing will be in Kopys. These are small workshops that will process meat, milk, and so on," added Alexander Lukashenko.
The Head of State once again stressed that annually, in each region, two urban-type settlements must be restored and developed. "In five years, we will put everything in order. In parallel, we are completing and developing agro-towns. And we do not forget about villages - former centers and unpromising ones. This is the concept of our country's development," the Belarusian leader noted. "We should not concentrate the entire population in Minsk - it will be a tragedy for the country."
Pricing in the Belarusian pharmaceutical market will be reviewed. This was stated by President Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with residents of the urban-type settlement of Kopys and nearby settlements.
"We control prices. But since you are raising the issue that our medicines are still too expensive, it means there are problems. I promise you that (my assistants are hearing this, please convey it to the government so that they analyze and report to me which medicines are expensive, which medicines people cannot afford) I will once again look at the pricing factors," said Alexander Lukashenko. "But you know my attitude: as much as possible today, I try to keep prices down. I have already involved trade unions in this."
On the other hand, the President noted, if the prices for the same medicines are lowered, problems will arise for the enterprises that produce medical drugs. This means that the workers' salaries will sharply decrease. "High prices are good for the manufacturer. And production is the greatest value. But the manufacturer should not be allowed to get rich at our expense. Therefore, this is, you know, a very difficult situation. How to control prices when we have a market economy, when there is complete freedom. But we are still trying to do it," the Head of State emphasized.
Alexander Lukashenko said that 6 years ago, about 18% of the medicines sold in Belarus were produced domestically. Everything else was imported from abroad. In fact, this was a threat to the republic, as foreign manufacturers could drastically inflate prices or stop supplies to Belarus altogether. This issue is akin to food security. "As of today, we have 56-57% of our own medicines. But we purchase the raw material, the substance, from different countries around the world, and produce medicines here based on it," the President remarked.
Moreover, most Belarusian medical drugs cost within $1-2. Only a small portion of the drugs are highly priced. "It is very difficult to control the price there, because either the substance from which we produce medicines here is very expensive, or we buy imported medicines - you cannot set your own price for them," the Head of State explained.
During his conversation with residents, Alexander Lukashenko also stated that all urban settlements in Belarus will be put in order within five years, following the example of Kopys.
The Head of State recalled that the decision to restore and bring proper order to Kopys was made in the autumn of last year. Since then, much has already been done regarding the socio-economic development of this settlement.
Social institutions and infrastructure have been reconstructed, and attention has been paid to the production sector.
Alexander Lukashenko explained that this urban-type settlement was chosen for the implementation of this pilot project not because it is his birthplace. This is primarily due to the fact that the President himself knows this place well and can personally control the quality, necessity, and demand for various measures for the development of the settlement. "We wanted to create an example for others," he said.
According to the President, a decision has been made today that every year in each region, following the example of Kopys, order will be established in two similar urban-type settlements. This work is planned to be completed within five years.
"We face the problem of how to develop the country further, how to populate it, where people should live," the Belarusian leader noted. "And for them to live here, normal conditions must be created. For this region to prosper in the future, people must live here, build their homes. But they will only live here when there is good, reliable work."
Regarding the production sector, Alexander Lukashenko announced plans for its development. The location of the urban-type settlement between two large agricultural organizations – OJSC "Alexandriyskoye" and the newly established LLC "Kupalovskoye" – will contribute to this to a considerable extent. As a result, it will be possible to concentrate the processing of relevant products in Kopys, and retail outlets will be built.
"Using the example of Kopys, I want to show everyone what an urban-type settlement should be like, and using the example of the holding "Kupalovskoye" – what agricultural production should be like in the 21st century," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "This is the path we will follow, rebuilding and improving Belarus."
Addressing the local residents, the President also noted that the further maintenance of order and the development of their settlement depend solely on themselves. "Take care of this region," he advised.
Alexander Lukashenko shared his impressions of the parade celebrating Independence Day in Minsk.
"Overall, I liked the parade. Well done, they made it more large-scale, which is what I demanded from them. Not just, you know, put two cars, drove them around and that's it. I asked them to show the might of the army, so that people would look and draw their own conclusions that there is something there that can protect them. Therefore, overall, I liked the parade," said Alexander Lukashenko.
At the same time, the Head of State admitted that he did not see anything new, as he had been familiar with almost all the equipment for a long time. "As for the military part, there were no novelties for me here. Since I had to control the processes of creating these types of weapons," he explained.
The President noted that the most modern and in-demand types of military equipment were presented at the parade. Spectators were able to see the most powerful armament that Belarus possesses – the Polonez multiple rocket launcher system. "Of course, we have been talking a lot lately about a new direction in our military-industrial complex – missile construction. If you want to be feared (and feared for what? So that they don't think and don't want to 'roll over' us again, as it was in 1941-1945), you need to have a missile. We have received it," stated Alexander Lukashenko. "And this is just the beginning. We will create even more powerful weapons to ensure your safety."
In addition, new Belarusian-made civilian equipment was demonstrated at the parade. "It also looked impressive," the President noted. At the same time, he expressed regret that the spectators did not manage to see the world's largest dump truck – the BELAZ-75710 with a carrying capacity of 450 tons. Initially, there was an idea to show it at the parade. However, the organizers came to the conclusion that it would be unsafe to bring such equipment to the streets of Minsk.
"I liked the parade. I am very glad that you liked it too, because my main idea and goal was for you and your children to like it," emphasized the Head of State.
He added that a decision was also made to leave military equipment on the city streets. Many were able to take pictures with the latest Belarusian weaponry and even touch it. People will remember this event for a long time, Alexander Lukashenko expressed his confidence.
The President also emphasized the importance of comprehensive education for youth. According to the Head of State, Belarus has wonderful and intelligent youth, but at the same time, it significantly differs from previous generations. "The future century is the century of smart technologies. It is a completely different century – the digital economy," he stated.
Alexander Lukashenko considers it necessary to do the utmost to ensure that young people not only understand computer technologies but also comprehend life. "Therefore, we need to educate the youth. They must be able to do everything. Old people often said: study, you won't have to carry it on your shoulders. We need to instill this in our youth today so that they see and know what the land is, understand the labor of a worker, a peasant, a teacher, and a doctor," said the Belarusian leader.
"Therefore, we need to develop villages, small towns, and district centers. That's where life is. And we cannot lose this life. This is our common task, and mine, above all," added Alexander Lukashenko.
Official Internet portal of the President of the Republic of Belarus.