The average salary of employees in the Vitebsk region in December 2011 is expected to be Br1.9 million - A. Kosinets

December 10, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The average wage of employees in the Vitebsk region in December 2011 is expected to reach Br1.9 million. This was stated today at a regular session of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "The socio-economic development indicators of the Vitebsk region in 2011 should exceed the set targets. This will allow for a high level of wages," the governor stated. In particular, the growth rate of industrial production is planned at 120% instead of 108.5%-109%, and the output of innovative products will amount to 21% of the total volume, compared to the planned 17%. The region plans to build 830,000 square meters of housing, exceeding the target of 750,000 square meters. It is expected that the profitability of sales in industry will be at least 10%, and in agriculture - around 7%. The foreign trade balance in 2011 is projected at $120 million. Exports of goods and services will reach 120% of the 2010 level, and investments in fixed assets will increase by 17-18%. In 2011, entrepreneurship in the region will receive significant support. Over Br50 billion is planned to be allocated for these purposes in the next two years, including for the construction of a business center. It is expected that in 2011, private business will account for 15% of the total industrial production, compared to 7.6% in the current year. "Entrepreneurship has huge reserves, and it needs to be supported," emphasized Alexander Kosinets. The output of innovative products next year will amount to 21% of the total production volume. The 17 educational, scientific, and production complexes established this year by universities at enterprises will also contribute to this. A significant role in increasing the region's economic potential is assigned to the agro-industrial complex. Over the past two years, agricultural enterprises have received 8,500 units of equipment. The region is fully equipped with energy-intensive tractors. This will allow farmers in the region to transition to an intensive development path: to achieve a grain yield of 50 centners per hectare, and by 2015, to harvest 2 million tons of grain. "This is not a campaign; it is necessary for the normal development of the industry, ensuring food security, and increasing agricultural exports," emphasized Alexander Kosinets. Deputies of the Regional Council approved the main target and indicative indicators for the socio-economic development forecast of the region for 2011. -0-