In the priorities of development – attracting investment and creating conditions for the knowledge economy

At the session, deputies approved the program for the socio-economic development of the region for 2016-2020. Its main objective is to resume economic growth and create the necessary conditions for the formation of a new economy of knowledge and services.

"The main priority is investment. First and foremost, we are talking about foreign direct investment and the creation of joint ventures. For economic growth to resume, we need to attract about Br2 billion in investments in fixed capital annually. This means new enterprises, modern production facilities, high-performance jobs, gross regional product, income, and the quality of life for the population," noted the Chairperson of the Economics Committee.

"The program provides for achieving the target average salary of about Br900 by the end of the year. This is planned to be achieved through the development of the real sector of the economy, with an expected production growth of at least 7%, an increase in labor productivity, higher revenues, and expanded export supplies. Overall, the focus is on economic efficiency. The planned profitability level across all economic sectors is at least 7%," emphasized Anzhelika Nikitina.

The Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, noted that the region is actively cooperating with the border regions of Russia. "There is a noticeable interest from Russians in establishing ties and expanding interaction, including mutually beneficial economic cooperation. These days, a delegation from our region, led by the Chairperson of the Regional Executive Committee, is in Volgograd, and a trip by representatives of the region to Tver is planned soon," said Vladimir Terentyev.

Alena Tikhonova - BELTA.