Lukashenko suggests creating small companies in district centres to solve unemployment problem in Belarus

<p> MINSK, Dec 22 - PrimePress. The problem of creating additional jobs in Belarus could be solved by opening small enterprises in district centres. </p> <p>   </p> <p> President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made a statement to this effect at a meeting with senior officials of Gomel Oblast administration on 22 December, the president’s press service said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko noted that a lot of district centres were spruced up in the last few years but these efforts partially overshadowed the creation of jobs. “There must be some manufacturing enterprise there,” he said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko spoke specifically about small enterprises, for instance, enterprises with 100-120 jobs. “They have to be tied to this district capital. If we remove such fundamental enterprises from the district capitals, there will be no jobs, people will start leaving. We need enterprises in order to evenly distribute productive forces,” he said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko noted that Gomel Oblast has rich forest resources and the demand for timber and wooden goods is huge. Promising timber industry enterprises may be set up in small towns among other things. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko pointed out Gomel Oblast's real sector has not demonstrated economic growth for the last few years. The gross regional product shrank by 0.1% within two years. Agricultural output dropped by more than 1% over the course of two years. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “Business activity in Gomel Oblast remains calm. The number of commercial entities remains roughly the same at about 13,900. Although it is of vital importance for us to create new competitive enterprises and new jobs. The contribution of small and medium private companies into the regional economy is small, too – 16% while the country's average is 27%,” said Lukashenko. </p> <p>   </p> <p> In his words, Gomel Oblast should move away from dependence on large enterprises and should diversify its growth points as much as possible. </p> <p>   </p> <p> At the same time, the government should facilitate the completion of major investment projects to reach their design capacity. This is a complex for hydrocracking heavy oil residues at the Mozyr oil refinery, and the industrial development of the Petrikov potassium salt deposit, major state support was provided to Belarusian Steel Mill BMZ. Yuri Nazarov reported that BMZ has already formed an order intake for 2022 and looks set for the future. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko also urged to respond quickly to any drawbacks in the implementation of paper production projects at Svetlogorsk Pulp and Board Mill and the Dobrush Paper Mill. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Nazarov, who is also president's authorized representative in Gomel Oblast, reported that Minsk and Grodno have already run trial production to make packaging from cardboard made in Dobrush. It will be used to replace imports from Poland. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko said: “We need to focus on higher added value. But do not neglect the small companies that make in-demand products. In retail we should make sure that corner stores remain in place. There should be competition, an alternative to large retail networks that may overtake everything when unattended.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, Lukashenko appointed Ivan Krupko, who previously held the post of the Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus, chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee. End </p>

2021-12-23

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