Vitebsk recognized as the best regional center for doing business

The results of the republican competition "Best City (District) and Region for Business in Belarus-2013" were announced recently in Minsk. A competent jury, consisting of experts, university professors, and prominent scientists, determined the winners based on economic indicators, the dynamics of business entity creation, their contribution to regional budgets, and interaction with authorities. Additionally, the business activity of private individuals, participation in business community life, and resolution of pressing issues were taken into account.

The competition has been held by the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship since 2008. Over five years, it has become very popular, as evidenced by the increasing number of participants. It should be understood that victory is not just about awards and prestige. First and foremost, it is an increase in the investment attractiveness of the region and, in fact, an increase in the number of people wishing to start their own business. At the same time, the selection criteria for winners are becoming stricter. This year, 84 participants vied for the title of the best. The Chashniksky district of the Vitebsk region was among the finalists in the nomination "Best City (District) for Business in Belarus-2013" (with a population of less than 50,000 people). The winner was recognized as the Smolevichsky district of the Minsk region. Among cities with a population of over 50,000, honors went to Lida in the Grodno region. And among regional centers – a nomination considered separately for the first time – the victory went to Vitebsk.

According to Zinaida Koroleva, Deputy Chairperson of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, this assessment is based on economic indicators that speak for themselves. Today, more than 15,000 private business entities operate in the capital of the Dvina region, with almost 4,000 of them being small enterprises. The contribution of entrepreneurs is significant: about 15 percent to the volume of goods production, the same amount to the sphere of paid services to the population, more than 18 percent is the share of small and medium-sized businesses in the city's turnover, and 25 percent in public catering, meaning every fourth ruble is earned by the private sector. Tax revenues from small enterprises amounted to 30 percent of the budget. A total of 41,000 people are employed in the entrepreneurial sector, which is 23 percent of the economically active population of Vitebsk. The dynamics are maintained in 2013. For the current period, 186 legal entities and 823 individual entrepreneurs have already been registered, and 3,265 jobs have been created by business entities, or almost 90 percent of the total number of jobs created.
– These figures, which increase every year, are an indicator of efficiency. The executive authorities strive to support entrepreneurs and welcome the creation of new businesses, especially in production and innovation. The ideas of novice businessmen are significant for the city, as they ultimately affect employment, wages, and the overall standard of living. Thank you to our entrepreneurs, and I wish the youth patrons to implement their ideas, – notes Zinaida Alexandrovna.

Events popularizing private business and enhancing its image undoubtedly played a role in the victory. These include the "Best Employer of Vitebsk" competition, held for the first time in the regional center and in the republic, "Vitebsk City Startups," the traditional exhibition "Small Business in Festival Vitebsk," and investment forums. The Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs of Vitebsk takes a very active position in business development and defending its interests.

– We have found common ground with the city executive committee and are working together to improve business activity and the business climate in our regional center. It is very important that today the authorities recognize the role of entrepreneurs in the economy, – emphasizes Nina Lukyanova, Executive Director of the Association.
As for the best region for business, it is recognized as Minsk. In general, only 7 regions from the "Pridvinye" submitted applications for participation in the competition, while Minsk and Gomel regions submitted more than 20 each. Meanwhile, the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship considers the nomination "Best City (District) for Business in Belarus-2013" (with a population of less than 50 thousand people) as one of the most important, as special attention is currently paid to the development of the private sector in small towns. This is a kind of monitoring of the implementation of Decree No. 6, which provides for preferences for starting a business in rural areas.

Olga MASLOVSKAYA, "Vitebsky Rabochy"