Friday, March 29

Investments, agro-industrial complex, industry, construction and social sphere were discussed at the meeting of the President of Belarus with the leadership of the Council of Ministers

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The first economic results of the year, incentives for investors, as well as the situation in agriculture, industry and the social sphere were discussed at a large meeting of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko with the leadership of the Council of Ministers.

The economy is working steadily, for 5 months it has shown even growth, albeit minimal. Record high export figures and record low debt burden are pleasing. However, Alexander Lukashenko warns against excessive optimism, suggesting to concentrate on solving problematic issues. There are enough of them today. At the same time, it is necessary not to nod at sanctions or the weather, if we are talking about the agro-industrial complex, but to make every effort to have a result. Natalia Breus spoke about the main tasks from the President.

The government usually prepares for such a conversation in July-August, when the equator of the year is over, it is already clear how the real sector worked. And this conversation is not canceled, but the Belarusian leader constantly keeps his finger on the pulse of the economy, regularly gathers the leadership of the Council of Ministers to discuss not only the accumulated issues, but also to see the whole economic picture. There will be demand from each deputy prime Minister for their areas of responsibility and from the head of government for the result, Alexander Lukashenko warned.

Statistics show good results: the gross domestic product amounted to 100.9%. “There is an exit to positive growth rates of investments in fixed assets, they added 2.5% to last year. However, so far this is a weak groundwork for fulfilling the set tasks even for half a year,” the Belarusian leader said.

The President asked the Prime Minister whether they had achieved positive dynamics in all indicators, whether they had managed to fully overcome last year’s difficulties (logistics and transaction costs, search for new partners and markets). He also asked how the targets were being met. “I am waiting for a substantive layout from the first Deputy Prime Minister, where the government sees reserves for increasing investment growth by the end of the year, and this is as much as 120%. And also about the effectiveness of the implementation of the concept “one district – one project,” the head of state added.

Investment projects are an “oxygen cocktail” for the economy. They are being assisted in every possible way. The state is always extremely loyal to sensible business ideas and does not refuse preferences, creates all conditions. This approach has already had an effect: over the past years, representatives of 20 countries have invested over $ 8 billion. More than a thousand projects in action. But now we have felt that the volume of injections is decreasing. The draft law on the promotion and stimulation of investment projects should correct the situation.

Alexander Lukashenko: In the current geopolitical circumstances, it is difficult to count on the arrival of Western investors in the Belarusian economy, even those who know our country well and are ready to create production facilities in it. So, we will focus on the East, Asia, Africa. Yes, and you need to work with Western ones, not reject them from the doorstep.

The President of Belarus also reminded that social responsibility should prevail at the heart of any project – full employment for employees, decent salaries, a wide social package, payment of taxes. “Just to come here, as they used to say, to suck all the juices out of the people, squeeze out everything you can, pay some penny, not pay taxes, let’s say 500 dollars to the workers there… And withdraw the main profit in the form of dividends to unfriendly countries first of all. I don’t think we need such projects. We should come here not as a banana republic, but as a normal high-tech, highly developed one, and we should work first of all with our investors,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

Let’s say right away: there is no investment hunger in the country. But new incentives will not hurt business. Among them is a budget transfer to compensate for part of the investment costs. The state is ready to take over the construction of backbone networks, and a spot-polished draft law will help to do this.

Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of Belarus: We need investors in precisely those areas that are currently in demand by the economy. For example, take pharmaceuticals. Although we have more than 50% of domestic drugs, but the task is worth it, reaching 70% is a very ambitious task. And for this it is necessary to attract new status investors.

According to the Prime Minister, according to the established international practice, investors coming to the pharmaceutical industry should receive a guaranteed volume of repurchase of their products (offset contracts). “It so happened that this business sector works like this. We do not have such a norm in the legislation now,” Roman Golovchenko said. – It is proposed to apply this right to a number of investment contracts. Of course, when it is beneficial for the state. This will guarantee the investor that he will have a guaranteed demand for his products.”

The President on the situation in agriculture: There is no catastrophe

It would be unrealistic to talk about the economy and not say about what is happening in the agro-industrial complex today. And reality does not please. Dry weather is a knife in the heart of farmers. But the President advises not to nod at the weather. It is not only and not so much in the whims of the heavenly office.

“I understand what’s going on. Yes, it has dried up in certain areas. First of all, grains and herbs suffered a little,” the Belarusian leader said. In this regard, the Head of state gave timely instructions to the Government on the re-sowing of herbaceous forages, with which the situation causes the greatest concern, unlike grain. “If we do not receive a certain amount, 200-300 thousand tons of grain, our neighbors have an excess today. We will always buy grain. Moreover, grain is offered today at very low prices, sometimes even below our cost price. It even makes sense to buy,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Alexander Lukashenko: There is no catastrophe, and this is recognized by the leading agriculture Deputy Prime Minister. It’s just that now we need to orient ourselves in time where it’s dried up.

And the President’s field can serve as an example of what you can do if you really need to. This is how the people call the lands in the small homeland of Alexander Lukashenko. Different crops have been planted there for years. As they say, all experiments are before the eyes of the First.

“We cultivate 7-8 different crops there. And I asked: “And how is winter barley?” Because it’s such a bad year for him in terms of drought,” the President says. His question was answered that “it’s nice to see.” “And why?” – the head of state asked. – Because this is the President’s field. It is well maintained, and the drought has not destroyed this barley.”

We will be with feed, so we will not worry about food. At the end of five months, animal husbandry turned out to be in the black – meat and milk were added. This is good, but it is important to work for export, not for a warehouse. The price factor in the markets is changing and it does not help sales. Productivity is growing in Russia, where we supply a lot. All this affects the economy.

The Prime Minister indicated that there is a problem with the sale of dairy products. “Experts say that this is not tragic, it is a temporary phenomenon: the price in the Chinese and in general in the Asian market has started to rise. And in general, we are working on changing our strategy for the development of the dairy and dairy processing industry,” Roman Golovchenko said.

President: We have to go to other countries, we can’t sit in one or two markets

The Head of State stressed that one should not focus on one or two markets, it is necessary to go to other countries. “Don’t forget that the world is starving. And the last money will be spent by any state to feed people. Leonid Konstantinovich Zayats (Deputy Prime Minister – editor’s note) recently arrived from Zimbabwe, with whom we have good relations. How much milk do they consume per person per year?” – The President asked. “8 kilograms,” Leonid Zayats noted. “8 kilograms per person! And we?” – the head of state asked. “350,” the Deputy Prime Minister cited statistics. “They have nothing to feed their children with. And I promised that we (this is not charity) will help them,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko: What I mean is: not only will we wait until the prices of our neighbors rise, this is understandable, but we need to go to other markets. We need to occupy these markets, they will be happy to cooperate with us. We went to Zimbabwe – other countries are already offering them something today. They say: “No, we will work primarily with Belarusians, because they have done so in one year that we have fed the people with bread.” They had no bread. Our equipment, technologies, people went, showed. For a year, at least, they provided themselves with bread. They need milk now. So dried this milk – load it, take it there.

At the same time, the President believes, it is necessary not just to supply powdered milk for export, but to build small processing plants in other countries and produce other types of dairy products. “We need to go to other markets, we cannot sit in one or two markets today,” he stressed.

“According to the same scheme, a project to create such a production in China is now in the final stage. This is absolutely the right strategy. The only thing is that the economy does not allow creating such productions everywhere. But in general, this is absolutely the right strategic task. We still have to stay in the key Russian market for us, increase the marginality of sales and go to where we are passable in terms of price in terms of production of dairy products there,” Roman Golovchenko said.

It is not by chance that the President focuses on difficult issues – they should not become a big problem of the economy. Therefore, we need to move now. As the Prime Minister said, the industry became a locomotive in 2023 – good results. However, the industrial sector is also concerned about stocks. Alarm bells are stated at MTZ, Belshin and “Atlanta”. As for the latter, the demand for refrigerators is falling, and competitors are not asleep on the Russian market.

Roman Golovchenko: We probably missed the moment a little bit, because those capacities from which unfriendly countries have left are slowly being replaced by Russian and Chinese manufacturers. Together with the Ambassador to Russia, we conducted an analysis of the capacities that are still left in Russia, abandoned so far, if I may say so. Now we need to choose and actively enter these areas in order to organize production, forming a profit center there and delivering kits and equipment from Belarus there.

“This is a strategy. We discussed, there is nothing new in this. Not only in Russia – wherever possible, we need to create our own capacities, production facilities, if it is profitable for us, and act,” the President believes.

Alexander Lukashenko motivates the government to accelerate, time does not allow otherwise. At the same time, in no case should we nod to sanctions, there will definitely be no discount on this account. We need to do everything today so that tomorrow temporary difficulties do not result in big trouble. This, as they said at the meeting, neither the people nor the President himself will understand.

“But we feel what will happen in six months. You needed 102%, and you have 101%,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“But in pure May (May to May) – 7%. Therefore, I think that if not completely, then at least we will reach a figure close to the half-year plan. The flywheel of the economy is now being unwound,” Roman Golovchenko said.

“Roman Alexandrovich, let’s agree publicly like this. So that you don’t get offended. I am no longer 38 years old when I formed the first government, and not 45. If you fail to meet the targets we have set this year, you will resign anyway (you and the first Deputy Prime Minister will be the first). Here, so that journalists can see, people understand. Because it looks funny. I have feedback on my meetings. Smart people I talk to, experienced people, say: “And why are you tearing your soul, your heart? We see some officials on TV – but they don’t care about it all.” I don’t think that’s the case, but just pounding water in a mortar is probably out of place,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“You do – thank you, orders, awards. If they didn’t fulfill it, they should act like men. Therefore, let’s agree so that there will be no insults later,” the President stressed.

President on Roads: it was worth loosening control a little, as the situation began to deteriorate

In general, without a clear strategy of action in the markets, and in principle, you will not get far. This should excite the minds of economists and managers in high offices, but for people the pressing issue is the quality of roads.

Alexander Lukashenko: What can I say, everyone is in cars, some have two or three per family. Yes, there was a time when Belarus reached a high level in terms of the condition of the road surface and became an example for many in the post-Soviet space. But it was only necessary to loosen control a little, as the situation began to deteriorate.

During a working trip to the Grodno region in April this year, Alexander Lukashenko already drew attention to the number of complaints from the population on this topic. “The relevant Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked with putting all roads in order and repairing them during 2023. It’s a matter of questions. How are things going?” – the President asked at the meeting.

“Build quickly and efficiently” is the golden rule when it comes to not only roads, but also housing. There were enough complaints. And since we touched on this topic, the President continued, keeping the profile Deputy Prime Minister in suspense. It was the President’s order to simplify the construction, and decisions were made on private houses. So can the same road go in the construction of high-rise buildings and on an industrial scale?

Continuing the topic of the construction of apartment buildings, the President asked why it is not possible to solve the problem of long-term construction once and for all: “There are 20 residential buildings in this shameful status now, 17 of them are in Minsk. Does the government have elaborated solutions here?”

Alexander Lukashenko on the social sphere

The issues of the social block, as a rule, are discussed after the real sector. Although to say that attention is paid to him on a residual basis, the tongue will not turn. Only in the last month we have thoroughly gone through the complex issues of medicine and education. The results of the centralized exam were sorted out. There is an introductory campaign, but in the fall you need to dot all the “i”.

Alexander Lukashenko: It is impossible to beat up the teaching staff and teachers on the ground, as well as parents on education issues all the time. In the fall, final proposals should be made: starting from textbooks, new, effective, sensible, with writing and creation, and ending with education in universities, as well as final exams, basic schools, secondary schools and admission to universities. All questions must be settled.

The deadline for those responsible for domestic healthcare is January 1. In six months, it is necessary to eliminate the facts of mismanagement and unprofessionalism in medicine, which the expert group has identified.

“The tasks – clear and specific – have been set. There should be no facts of mismanagement and unprofessionalism in the sphere responsible for the health of the nation,” the President demanded.

Alexander Lukashenko: At the same time, I warned you, the minister and the government know this – the commission is working. However, it was inundated with complaints, as if it was a new center of the ministry, a new ministry. I want to appeal to people and ask them not to load the commission, the commission members (and there are 12-13 people) with issues that other authorities should solve – local authorities, the government, the ministry. Of course, they react to this, but they cannot replace everyone.

The President spoke about the appeal of residents of the Zhlobinsky district. “We went there, examined, sorted out, gathered specialists, taught, advised. We need to teach people. Well, where is the Ministry of Health?” – Alexander Lukashenko asked a question.

He also touched upon the topic of medicine in the field: “All the governors rushed to throw dust in their eyes. FAPs and district hospitals were repaired, money was allocated, and rapid repairs began.”

The President indicated that this should be done: “I am not against it, but we must understand that FAPs, district hospitals should function. And to make people happy.”

Alexander Lukashenko considers the issue of professionalism and the ability of doctors and paramedics to work with people important: “He should be the first to come to a sick person, especially in rural areas. But don’t forget about the professionalism of these people. The professionalism of people on the ground – in district hospitals these are doctors, in district hospitals they are also nurses, and in FAPs they are paramedics.”

Maybe it’s not at the right time, and someone will say “under the heat of the moment”, but a decree is being submitted to the President’s court, according to which doctors would be able to acquire rental housing. Prescribed terms and conditions. The President does not reject, but quite reasonably asks the question of timeliness.

Alexander Lukashenko: They are, of course, great fellows in the vast majority, they treat us, they deserve attention. This proposal came after a huge number of shortcomings in the healthcare sector were revealed. Therefore, it is not quite the right time. I think we should return to this issue.

At the same time, the President drew attention to the fact that there are other categories of workers who live in rental housing and can also raise similar questions.

“Therefore, it is necessary to consider it in a complex. And while we turn around, it won’t be tomorrow, of course. Let’s see how the healthcare system will come to its senses and organize the decisions that I have determined,” the head of state stressed. – The details of the provision of rental housing in the property will be considered when the ministers, the government report that all the shortcomings have been eliminated, then we will consider this issue.”

It is definitely necessary to bring negligent parents to their senses. Alas, there are enough irresponsible moms and dads today. There are almost 10 thousand families in the country where children (and this is recognized) are in a socially dangerous situation. The President is categorical: no general or ornate formulations. In an instant, he can sober up those who have children on their side. Negligent parents simply drink away child benefits, and children suffer, Alexander Lukashenko believes. The President demanded that the money reach the children, and not go to the parents’ bottle. To do this, you need to take proper measures.

The Government proposed “to focus on improving the effectiveness of systematic monitoring of the situation of children and strengthen control over the misuse of benefits.” “The system should be set up clearly – children should not be deprived in any case, and irresponsible parents should be brought to their senses,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Playing dangerous games with the health and well-being of children will not be allowed. If the games are only sports. In August, competitions of the Commonwealth countries will be held in eleven cities of Belarus. You need to do everything at a high level! Everyone is waiting for victories. Of course, it is possible to rejoice in small economic victories, but not for long. Recovery growth is good, as is record exports or a low debt burden. But you definitely shouldn’t relax.

Roman Golovchenko: We can say that the tasks are being fulfilled. This conclusion is confirmed by the words of the President, which he said at the end, summing up: the situation is stable. That’s the main thing.

Along with macroeconomic indicators, there are also those according to which, figuratively speaking, the “people’s diagnosis” of the economy is made. These are, for example, exchange rates, interest rates on deposits and loans, wages and incomes of the population, pensions. If we talk about the latter, they began to show growth after they began to lag behind a little last year due to high inflation. “Everyone has moved into the growth stage: the average salary is 103.5%, the real incomes of the population are 101% and are increasing. Inflation is kept at a low level,” Roman Golovchenko said. In his opinion, the fact that people convert foreign currency deposits into rubles is proof of that.

The assessments of the President of Belarus sounded critical in many ways. It was harsh in places, but fair. Time demands clear and quick decisions. Today, both the government and the governors must give their best – there is no other way. And only in this case can we count on overall success.

 

A source: https://e-cis.info/news/567/110084/

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