MINSK, 14 January (BelTA) - The export of the enterprises affiliated with the Belarusian timber, woodworking, pulp and paper industry concern Bellesbumprom reached $1 billion in 2021, Bellesbumprom Chairman Mikhail Kasko told the media on 14 January, BelTA has learned.
“The Bellesbumprom enterprises did well last year. The target we promised during the report to the head of state in Dobrush has been achieved and even slightly exceeded. We approached $1 billion in exports. Moreover, we have returned more than Br500 million in investment loans to timber and pulp-and-paper companies. All our obligations to the budget, banks, and workers were fulfilled. Wages grew and exceeded Br1,500 at most enterprises, especially at the upgraded ones,” said Mikhail Kasko.
According to him, growth drivers in 2022 will be the Dobrush Paper Mill Hero of Labor, the Newsprint Paper Plant in Shklov and Svetlogorsk Pulp and Board Mill. “This is the reserve, which against the background of the stable work of the other enterprises should serve as a stimulus for us not only to keep the bar, but also to increase it a little. There are all the prerequisites for achieving the indicators laid down in the business plans of the enterprises, despite the difficulties associated with the pandemic,” Mikhail Kasko said.
A number of investment projects are planned for this five-year period. Among them is a project to build a pulp sack paper machine at Svetlogorsk Pulp and Board Mill. “Another project is planned to be implemented in Ivatsevichi. We expect to expand the production of chipboard. We see a steady demand for this type of materials. This will be an additional impetus for the development of the country's furniture industry,” Mikhail Kasko said.
A pellet plant in Vitebsk will be launched this year. “We will further deepen processing of low-grade raw materials,” the Bellesbumprom chairman added.
