MINSK, 16 May (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko is dissatisfied with the economic performance of Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark) and demands to raise the efficiency of the enterprise. He made the statement when approving the appointment of the new MAZ director general on 16 May, BelTA informs.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that MAZ is one of the crucial manufacturing enterprises in the country. “We cannot lose this enterprise. MAZ, BelAZ, MTZ are the face of our country and our car manufacturing industry,” the head of state remarked. At the same time, the president expressed dissatisfaction with the low efficiency of the enterprise. “MAZ has a huge potential. The enterprise is rather good, the team of workers is rather good (the school is great!), and the economic indicators are low. We don't need a loss-making enterprise,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He instructed the new director general to take efficient measures to find a way out from this difficult situation.
“Sort things out. If you need any specialists from outside, go ahead, invite them,” he added.
The president remarked that the appointment of the previous director, Dmitry Katerinich, was a mistake. “Perhaps, we made a bad personnel decision. And it is not only my fault, some people in the government also hoped that Dmitry Katerinich will be a choice for this enterprise,” the Belarusian leader said.
Addressing new Director General of MAZ Valery Ivankovich, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the current situation at the enterprise is rather complicated. “If you cope with the job, I personally will be very grateful to you,” the president said and promised to visit MAZ in the near future.
Addressing new Director General of Lidselmash Grigory Ivankov, the head of state said: “The enterprise can and should work. We have done our best to support it, I have visited it several times. There should be more progress.”
The president said that the two directors will come to MAZ and Lidselmash from Amkodor Holding Company. In this context, the president asked if this decision will cause any problems for Amkodor. “Can the enterprise become weaker as a result?” he wondered. The president was assured that the senior personnel of the enterprise can effectively replace each other and everything will be all right.
