In the Vitebsk region, retail chains are showing interest in operating in rural areas
In the Vitebsk region, network companies are showing serious interest in working under Decree No. 345 "On the Development of Trade, Public Catering, and Consumer Services." This was announced today at a briefing by Irina Levkovich, Head of the Main Department of Trade and Services of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
"As of today, network companies were the first in the Vitebsk region to react to the opportunity to work under the decree. So far, they are showing the greatest activity and interest in working in rural areas, taking into account the new opportunities. We are already aware of the intentions of some of them, but it is too early to disclose specific data," stated Irina Levkovich.
There is not yet significant activity from individual entrepreneurs and citizens wishing to work under the decree in the region. "District executive committees are conducting extensive information and explanatory work. Since the adoption of the document, more than 60 seminars have been held. This will yield results: we predict that there will definitely be movement," noted the head of the department.
According to Irina Levkovich, in accordance with the decision of the Regional Council of Deputies, the Vitebsk region has included more than 5.5 thousand settlements in the list of settlements to which Decree No. 345 "On the Development of Trade, Public Catering, and Consumer Services" applies, which is 88% of their total number. For individual entrepreneurs and legal entities who want to engage in retail trade, public catering, and consumer services, the decree provides tax benefits and preferences. Tax benefits include a reduced profit tax rate. For payers of a single tax of a certain category of individual entrepreneurs, the tax rate is one basic unit per month.
A number of preferences concern property issues. In particular, it is possible to alienate state-owned objects located in the territory of the established settlements on a compensatory basis without holding an auction. There are also significant relaxations regarding antimonopoly legislation: for network companies,
whose share in the territory of the specified regions already exceeds 20% of turnover, the possibility of further development has appeared."To date, some problems with servicing settlements, primarily with a small population, do exist. However, the created conditions will give a boost to the development of business in rural areas, and we will be glad to welcome anyone who comes, because our main task is to provide a normal service there," - concluded the head.