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MINSK, 20 August (BelTA) - First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov toured the MAZ-Weichai Center for Production Technologies at Vysotsky Minsk State Automotive College, a branch of National Institute of Vocational Education, BelTA learned.
Nikolai Snopkov noted that the Belarusian economy will be driven forward by new productive forces, and these are innovations, technologies and human capital. "We see all these components here [in the center]. Therefore, such institutions are responsible for the future development of the economy, mechanical engineering, automotive industry, and the biotechnology industry, i.e. they train people who move technologies forward. The more such institutions build their capacities the more our human capital improves, and so do innovation and technology," Nikolai Snopkov said.
The equipment that is produced in the Great Stone is in demand, Nikolai Snopkov added. "Most recently, we held a meeting with companies - residents of the park. We see that the potential is much greater. The market and demand are there. There is also the prospect of going international, including thanks to technology," he said.
Director of Vysotsky Minsk State Automotive College Valery Kirilenko said that the center operates three training zones: theoretical, labor skills and diagnostics of engine malfunctions."We have a very good relationship with the Chinese company that provided us with all the equipment. The cost of the equipment provided by the Chinese side is about $1 million," he said. “Once a new engine goes into production, it also makes its way to our country. At the moment, we have 6 engines. Another one which is installed on agricultural machinery is on its way."
The center provides services to other educational institutions, dealers from other countries.
According to Rector of the National Institute of Vocational Education Valery Golubovsky, workers are primarily needed by the country's manufacturing sector. "It is the main contributor to the GDP. Therefore turners, millers, machine setters, operators, technologists are in great demand now," he stressed.
Every year, about 250 college students take training courses at the MAZ-Weichai Production Technology Center. In 2019-2024, 1,119 students did the courses. 73% of students at the center are representatives of Russian companies.