21 March, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. 52% of the Vitebsk region's investments are directed towards the technical re-equipment of enterprises. This was stated by the First Deputy Chairperson of the Economy Committee of the Regional Executive Committee, Nataliya Saltanovich, today at a joint meeting of the Council of the Regional Union of Employers and the Presidium of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. This indicator is the highest in the republic, and the effectiveness of these investments is confirmed by the high share of innovative products in the total volume of shipped goods, which amounts to 27%. "Currently, many enterprises are experiencing financial strain in implementing measures for further technical re-equipment; however, this work cannot be suspended, otherwise, significantly larger investments will be required in the future to maintain product competitiveness," noted Nataliya Saltanovich. She considers attracting foreign investment to be the most acceptable way out of the current situation. "Enterprises need to work more actively with investors and organize this activity more effectively; currently, these opportunities are underutilized," emphasized the First Deputy Chairperson of the Committee. Nataliya Saltanovich identified the weak link between enterprises and scientific institutions as another drawback in the work to increase the share of innovative products. In her opinion, the creation of a special internet resource for information interaction between manufacturers and scientists, where they can state their needs, offer developments, and exchange opinions, will help increase the effectiveness of cooperation. Overall, enterprises should demonstrate more initiative and flexibility in their work, concluded Nataliya Saltanovich. More than 40 heads of the region's enterprises participated in the event, which was dedicated to increasing the competitiveness of the region's enterprises based on innovative and investment development, as well as strengthening the link between science and production.-0-

BELTA