Golovchenko: import-substituting production to approach $29m in 2023
Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has visited Gomel’s enterprises today, drawing attention to the implementation of import substitution projects and sharing plans for such production in Belarus
Roman Golovchenko called import substitution one of the main areas of work, “We expect that import-substituting production will amount to about $29m in 2023. Two years ago, this figure stood at about $26-27bn.”
In 2024, an even higher target will be set: the volume should exceed $30bn. The list of products is wide, large-scale and minor projects are being implemented. At Gomselmash, for example, the import substitution task was extremely difficult, because many Western components were used in production. Extensive work was carried out to find new suppliers and to process documentation.
“We see that only four percent of imported products from friendly countries are now used at the Gomel Casting and Normals Plant. A very large number of Belarusian enterprises have been involved in the implementation of import substitution programmes for our flagships of mechanical engineering. Many components are being mastered by enterprises of the Gomel Region and industries throughout the country," Mr. Golovchenko emphasised.
Similar processes take place in all directions, including furniture and medical products. “All this was imported. Firstly, it negatively affected our balance of payments. Secondly, we gave our money to other countries. It remains with us now, being mastered here. Taxes are paid from this money,” the Prime Minister added.
At the same time, Roman Golovchenko believes there is no talk about complete replacement of everything produced abroad. It is no need to organise expensive or long-term production, if it is easier and cheaper to purchase the products necessary for Belarus, for example, in Russia, China or Uzbekistan.
