The Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee is developing 25 investment and innovation development programs for 2011-2015

August 31, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee is completing the development of 25 programs for the implementation of key investment and innovation projects in 2011-2015, the Economics Committee of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee informed a BELTA correspondent. The priority areas for the socio-economic development of the region for the next five years have been defined as the intensification of the agro-industrial complex, small-scale power engineering, the construction of facilities for processing secondary material resources, the creation of enterprises for the production of import-substituting machinery and equipment, deep wood processing, the production of modern building materials, the development of the tourism sector and the creation of recreation and health improvement infrastructure, and the comprehensive development of small towns. In particular, the "Small-Scale Power Engineering of Vitebsk Region" program provides for the construction of combined heat and power plants and boiler houses using local fuels, including with the involvement of foreign capital, and the construction of power plants operating on non-traditional and renewable energy sources, such as biogas and water. The "Vitebsk Rainbow" and "Vitaavto" programs are aimed at creating import-substituting production facilities for the output of LED equipment, lighting medical equipment, special vehicles, and aerial platforms. In the next five years, the region will have its own park of information and innovation technologies, which will be created by the region's universities. Focusing on the intensive development of agriculture, the agro-industrial complex development program envisages several projects aimed at ensuring food security. Thus, at Rudakovo OJSC, the construction of greenhouses for growing vegetables in enclosed ground is planned, and at Verkhnedvinsk Butter and Cheese Plant and Moloko OJSC, workshops for the production of whey will be built. During 2011-2015, Vitebsk Region is expected to do a lot to develop the tourism sector. The region will see five hundred roadside service facilities, the same number of beaches will be improved, and the same number of hunting lodges will appear. Several program projects envisage further improvement of the regional center and the implementation of the Marc Chagall Center project, as well as the creation of facilities along the Western Dvina River in Vitebsk. According to preliminary estimates, the 25 regional programs for the socio-economic development of the region for 2011-2015 include about 600 facilities. The program projects will be submitted for consideration and approval by the Regional Council of Deputies. -0-