Chebotar: industry demonstrates stable qualitative indicators of development
The number of unprofitable organisations is decreasing in Belarus – as stated by First Deputy Economy Minister Yuri Chebotar, speaking at a meeting of the Presidium of the Republican Association of Industrial Enterprises BelAPP, according to the information on the Economy Ministry website
According to Yuri Chebotar, the industrial complex is functioning steadily, demonstrating recovery dynamics for the fifth month in a row, “Last year, enterprises of the Industry Ministry, Bellesbumprom, Belgospishcheprom and the Agriculture and Food Ministry worked with a plus. If we assess the situation in terms of commodity positions, then we have significantly expanded the sales of tractors, trucks, heavy-duty dump trucks, elevators, washing machines, microwave ovens, etc. Qualitative indicators of development also inspire optimism. The highest level of profitability of sales in industry in recent years was achieved: 10.6 percent. The number of unprofitable organisations is dropping. The nominal accrued average monthly salary in the industry in December exceeded Br2,160,” said the First Deputy Economy Minister.
A significant part of Yuri Chebotar’s report was devoted to the achievements in the work on import substitution.
“$27bn of import-substituting goods were manufactured, with more than half of this volume being exported. 250 import-substituting projects – worth over $15bn – were implemented. Of these, 109 are aimed at localisation and in-depth processing of local raw materials. An increasingly active position is occupied by small and medium-sized businesses, accounting for more than 36 percent in the total production volume,” added the official.
At the end of his speech, Yuri Chebotar outlined the tasks of the industry for the current year and the short term.
“In mechanical engineering we need to maintain and increase our share of the Russian market on a long-term basis, including in automotive components. An active investment programme is to be implemented by the petrochemical complex. The country and the industry need new goods: plastics, high-tech oils, paints. The light industry, woodworking and pulp and paper industry should, while maintaining their positions within the country, develop niches in the Russian market and increase sales in the EAEU and the CIS. Ultimately, the key task for everyone is to increase production and reorient exports. The government has set specific tasks that will ensure economic growth in the industry,” the First Deputy Minister concluded.
