VITEBSK, 24 October (BelTA) – At a meeting with the participation of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 24 October, Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin outlined the priorities for the social and economic development of Vitebsk Oblast in the upcoming five-year plan, aiming to catch up with other regions. The focus will be on investment, modernization of the agro-industrial complex, development of dairy production, and tourism, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Subbotin identified the growth drivers expected to elevate the region to a higher economic level by the end of the next five-year period. The governor stated that the strategy is to bet on investment in various sectors of the economy, large-scale projects in light and food industries, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, modernization of the agro-industrial complex, particularly dairy production, and the manufacturing of import-substituting goods.
Speaking about the proposal to create two agricultural holdings in the region, one for dairy and one for meat, to replace the existing six, the governor explained that this approach is based on the experience of Belarusian enterprises that have pursued consolidation. Aleksandr Subbotin noted that there are still many small agricultural enterprises in Vitebsk Oblast whose operations need to be optimized. “We have set the construction of new milk production complexes as one of our priority tasks,” the governor said.
He added that a strategy has been outlined for the development of pig farming (with plans to increase the herd to 400,000 by 2030) and poultry farming. To ensure fodder for agricultural animals, the region also plans to expand the sown areas for grains, corn, and grasses.
Aleksandr Subbotin explained the need for a presidential decree on the development of the northern region. “We propose to support several points outlined in this decree: the conversion of foreign currency loan obligations into Belarusian rubles to make servicing easier and to avoid dependence on the volatility of the foreign exchange market; the extension of interest rate subsidies until 2034 (they expire this year); the provision of a long-term subordinated loan under Decree No. 268 (we have already received Br80 million and plan, if possible, to get up to Br196 million); and an adjustment to the debt repayment schedules transferred under Decree No. 70 - to shift them from 2034 to 2044,” the governor said.
According to the developed strategy, by the end of the next five-year plan, the region anticipates growth in budget revenues and citizens' wages. “This will allow for an increase in the main indicators of development efficiency. By 2030, it is planned to at least double the GRP per capita and budget revenues, and to increase real wages by a minimum of one and a half times. All this has been discussed and validated at the level of each district and each city; specific projects have been identified, along with the people responsible and sources for personnel. Funding for various projects has been partially worked out. If these approaches are approved, this concept will form the basis of the program for social and economic development of the region and all its districts for the next five years,” Aleksandr Subbotin added.
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