In 2024, the Vitebsk region plans to implement 22 import substitution projects
In a conversation with journalists, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, noted that the commission is very important and considers almost all issues related to the provision of public services, whether it be water supply, major repairs of housing stock, transport links, or improvement of settlements. In general, on the eve of the session of the Regional Council of Deputies to approve the regional budget for 2024, the task is set for the uniform development of the region.
Deputies heard reports from the heads of structural divisions of the regional executive committee on the results of the work of subordinate industries and the plans for the next year. In particular, Zhanna Sharando, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Economy of the Regional Executive Committee, stated that the industrial complex is working with positive dynamics this year. For 9 months of 2023, sales profitability increased by 1.5% and amounts to 6.6%. The average monthly salary increased by 17.1% and is at the level of 1812.6 rubles. Positive trends in industry are ensured by the introduction of new technologies and the production of innovative import-substituting products. Their production volume amounted to 784 million dollars, or 105.3% compared to last year. Work continues on the development of new types of import-substituting products both for the domestic market and within the framework of cooperation with Russian companies, and this direction, given the current situation, is one of the main ones in the development of the industrial complex in the near future.
About 200 projects and measures for technical re-equipment and modernization of production are being implemented in industrial organizations. Investment volumes for development amount to 730 million rubles. At the same time, more than half of the funds are directed towards the purchase of machinery and equipment. Forty-three new enterprises and production facilities were created in nine months.
This year, work on diversifying sales markets continues, with products worth $1.2 billion exported abroad. Export volumes have increased in the pharmaceutical industry, metallurgy, computer, electronic and optical equipment, machinery and equipment, and vehicles. Approximately 40% of exported products are high- and medium-tech. For example, the supply of ceramic capacitors and fire extinguishing equipment has increased by 1.4 times. Optical instruments and televisions by 1.9 times, and water filtration and purification equipment by 5.5 times.
According to forecasts, the positive dynamics of industrial performance will continue by the end of the current year. At the same time, a number of issues remain that need to be addressed in 2024. These include inefficient operations at some enterprises, low capacity utilization, high equipment wear, rising costs, significant debt obligations, and staff shortages.
In 2024, the main directions for industrial development will be improving operational efficiency by increasing capacity utilization, deepening raw material processing, and optimizing costs. It is planned to implement 22 import substitution projects (compared to 11 in 2023), and to open new enterprises and production facilities, including by small and medium-sized businesses.
Growth points in 2024 will primarily include the light and food industries, woodworking, construction materials production, as well as non-departmental mechanical engineering organizations.
Galina Unukovich, Chairperson of the Beshenkovichi District Executive Committee, presented the plan for preparing for the regional festival-fair of agricultural workers "Dazhynki-2024" to the members of the deputy commission. In a conversation with journalists, she emphasized that the upcoming holiday provides a unique opportunity to create better living conditions for the residents of Beshenkovichi. The district authorities have quite ambitious plans concerning the renovation of social infrastructure facilities, the street and road network, and the capital and current repair of apartment buildings. The central park, a landmark for the urban settlement and a cultural and historical value, is also set to undergo significant transformation.