Huge reserves for growth in Belarus in dealing with past shortcomings

VITEBSK, 16 June (BelTA) – There are huge untapped reserves for growth in 2016-2020 in dealing with shortcomings of the previous five-year term. Vitebsk Oblast Governor Nikolai Sherstnev made the statement as he met with participants of the fifth Belarusian People's Congress representing Vitebsk Oblast on 16 June, BelTA has learned.

In the last five years Vitebsk Oblast has witnessed quality growth of export potential, radical changes in agribusiness management have begun. “The goals and tasks of the regional program on social and economic development in 2011-2015 were fulfilled in difficult economic conditions. Shortcomings at the local level were also a factor. Their removal represents huge reserves for growth,” noted Nikolai Sherstnev. The Governor explained it is particularly true for the production sector, agriculture, civil engineering and education. By the way, education accounted for over 30% of the budget spending in the last few years.

On the whole, Vitebsk Oblast has managed to raise the main indicators. “Social and political stability has been preserved as well as tranquility in the society. Higher living standards of the population have been secured. They represent the key factor, the foundation. In the five years the average salary has increased as well as the real salary taking into account the price index growth. The real monetary revenues of citizens and the average pension have increased. The registered unemployment rate stands at 1.1%,” Nikolai Sherstnev quoted a number of examples.

The Vitebsk Oblast Governor also drew attention to demographic accomplishments. The birthrate has increased from 10.1 per 1,000 capita in 2010 to 11.2 at the end of 2015. The life expectancy has increased and now stands at 72.9 years. “It is a very serious leap, the most important accomplishment of our society. All the other factors affect mortality and birthrate. They are created by the production sector. The production sector earns the money that the social sphere gets,” stressed the head of the Vitebsk Oblast administration.

For instance, an increase in the gross regional product was secured as well as an increase in labor productivity, export of services, retail trade and other performance indicators. Apart from that, nearly 2 million m2 of housing was commissioned, about 300 education and healthcare institutions were built and modernized. Cultural institutions, sport facilities, terminals and stations, roads, social sphere facilities were built and remodeled. On the whole, as much as Br81.1 trillion was spent on fixed-capital investments to develop the economy and the social sphere in the oblast. As much as $3.5 billion in foreign investments was raised, including $564 million as FDI (5.2 times up from the previous five-year term).

In his speech the Vitebsk Oblast Governor outlined the main directions of the region's development in 2016-2020. In conclusion he urged delegates of the forthcoming Belarusian People's Congress to productively work together to resolve tasks of national importance.

As many as 350 delegates will represent Vitebsk Oblast during the Belarusian People's Congress. They come from various occupations and fields such as industrial enterprises and agribusiness, the army, university students, representatives of central government agencies and municipal government agencies, members of the parliament, members of municipal councils of deputies.