BREST, 22 June (BelTA) – There should be at least one significant project in investment programs of the regions for the next five-year plan. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with top Brest Oblast officials and executives in Brest on 22 June, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted: “Brest Oblast has huge capabilities in the manufacturing sector, the processing of raw materials, civil engineering and logistics. Yet it has failed to come up with large-scale investment projects, which are capable of becoming new points of regional growth and lay down the groundwork for accelerated development in the next five-year plan.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko referred to Grodno as an example. It has been decided to build a new plant in Grodno to make mineral fertilizers. “I would like Brest Oblast to have at least one such significant project for the next five-year plan. We've agreed that as we make plans for the next five-year term, we will stipulate the construction of specific enterprises and their modernization just like it was done in the USSR times. I would like every oblast to have one significant project like that,” he stressed.
Speaking about Brest Oblast, the head of state noted that the region has good prospects and a number of problems, which are easily noticeable and need to be addressed as soon as possible. Real sector economy comes first and foremost. Net profit of real sector enterprises dropped considerably in January-April. “It is understandable that when borders are closed, it is very difficult for us to work in such a situation. It is very important for us to be the first ones to sell our products wherever we can,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
The fact that labor productivity growth lags behind salary growth for now is another problem. “We should ensure the effective operation of enterprises, enable conditions for life and work of people here. We don't want any significant labor migration beyond the oblast's borders, particularly to neighboring countries,” the head of state concluded.
