During today’s meeting discussing certain issues of socio-economic development, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined the main principle of co-operation between the state and investors in the agricultural sector, sb.by reports
At the meeting, a draft decree was reviewed concerning the transfer of ten organisations from the Dubrovno District and the Vitebsk Bacon state enterprise to the Servolux Group of Companies. The Head of State noted that the State Control Committee had raised several comments regarding the draft document.
Aleksandr Lukashenko urged the participants of the meeting to thoroughly discuss all issues, stressing, “This concerns the future of agricultural production not just in a particular district but across the entire region. This new experience for us may prove useful in the future. For instance, Mozyrsalt is actively pursuing similar efforts in the Yelsk District. I gave such an instruction six months ago. Therefore, both private companies and state enterprises will be involved.”
The President asked how well the state’s interests have been considered, noting that the proposed deadlines for repaying previous debts are quite strict, and inquired about the planned investments and their focus areas.
The Belarusian leader also highlighted that investors should pay close attention not only to processing but also to the development of raw material regions, ensuring that enterprises have the necessary resources.
“It must be honest and fair,” he emphasised. “It’s only fair that you produce your own raw materials — we are providing you with that opportunity. Produce milk and grain, and pay good prices for them. These resources are available on the land. Yet, for some reason, you are not submitting proposals in this regard. Why is that? Should this be considered corruption, unprofessionalism, or irresponsibility? Most importantly, today you are asking me to sign a decree — will it help reverse the negative trends related to these issues throughout the country, not just in the Vitebsk Region?”
The Head of State also firmly emphasised that handing over inefficient organisations to investors should not result in local authorities stepping back from their responsibilities. The chairs of district executive committees must ‘rigorously control their areas’, especially personnel issues.
“Order, discipline, human rights (as surprising as it may seem in a ‘dictatorship’), and above all — employment and fair wages. These are basic human rights. And one must not forget the responsibilities: that people should show up to work diligently, put in hard effort, and work hard, as is proper in agriculture,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
