MINSK, 8 October (BelTA) – Belkoopsouyz has been instructed to reach 90% of processing in its product procurement system by 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the general meeting of the Belarusian National Union of Consumer Societies Belkoopsoyuz on 8 October, BelTA has learned.
According to the head of state, the depth of processing is already quite good. Up to 65% of the purchased raw materials are processed at Belkoopsoyuz enterprises. “How many times have I had to convince you of the correctness of this strategy? The same was true with flax, woodworking, leather, and so on. Of course, it was easier to sell raw materials and pocket the profits. That is what some of the former heads were doing,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The country has huge reserves for processing, the president said. The Belarusian products account for slightly over 50% of the canned fruit and vegetable market, 60% of juices and pickled vegetables and 85% of baby food. “These are your niches. Hold them. We will support you here. Go win back that market. Why do we import so much ketchup, canned beans, mushrooms, corn and peas? We can produce all of this in Belarus. You boast that you are reviving folk crafts, brands, creating modern trademarks. Where is the result? Your task is to reach 90% of processing in your own procurement system by 2025,” the head of state instructed.
“If necessary, develop cooperation with the regions and Belgospischeprom, which destroyed half of 64 vegetable processing plants over the past 15 years. There are 31 enterprises left, and for some reason the government turns a blind eye on it. Let's correct our mistakes. Our country has some small-scale manufactures based on classic home technology. However, they are few in number. I think that no one, except for Belkoopsoyuz, will do it at the state level. You demonstrate that you are able to do it. Spread your best practices across the country. If you need support, both material and organizational, we will help. Lard, sausage, dried meat, pickled vegetables, soaked apples, wild mushrooms and berries - these are the things that should remain your trademark,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
According to the head of state, this is not about replacing the production volumes and competing with large-scale meat packing plants, enterprises of the baking and food producing industry. “Each one has its own consumer: someone buys mass-produced products, someone is looking for exclusive products. By producing them, you preserve Belarusian traditions and recipes that have been perfected for centuries. Believe me, people will appreciate it,” the Belarusian leader said.
