The President’s initiative “One District – One Project” has become an effective tool for implementing the import substitution program and enhancing export potential overall. It has also served as one of the incentives for local authorities and enterprises, which are increasingly proposing new startup ideas of various scales aimed at the general economic recovery of individual districts. Correspondents of "R" visited the border region of Dubrovenshchina and learned how investors are attracted there and what is being focused on.
Strategy: A Comprehensive Approach
Anatoliy Lukashev, Chairman of the Dubrovno District Executive Committee, cites one of the most important figures demonstrating the correctness of the economic tactics and strategy chosen by the district. Based on the results of last year, the volume of export supplies increased by 45.8 percent. Several enterprises are among the leaders. The lion's share of the total export structure is accounted for by OJSC "Dubrovno Flax Mill". A private company specializing in the processing of livestock products, and other economic entities, have also shown good growth.
“We are always open to dialogue and discussion of any entrepreneurial initiatives,” notes the head of the district. “We are ready to assist in finding a production site, help with paperwork, staff recruitment and training, and resolving other pressing issues for newcomers. The district is specific. Yes, we have a very advantageous geographical location, but this also has its drawbacks: the proximity of large cities and excellent transport links cause a certain outflow of personnel. Therefore, the task of strengthening industrial potential in parallel with improving the social sphere is a paramount task. As the President said, if there are jobs, decent wages, and all the necessary amenities for life, people will stay in rural areas. We are developing enterprises, building housing, and improving healthcare.”
Last year, the average salary in the district increased by almost 20 percent. 41.4 million rubles of investments were attracted to fixed capital: the growth rate was 129.4 percent against a target of 116. Investment activity in construction and installation work showed a plus of 60 percent.
It is noteworthy that the number of private businesses is growing. Currently, there are over 80 small and medium-sized enterprises and almost 200 individual entrepreneurs operating here. All of them make a significant contribution to the formation of the district budget's revenue, providing about 30 percent of the receipts.
Initiative is Welcomed
Undoubtedly, private entrepreneurs in rural areas are given the green light for all their ventures today. And at various stages of business development, they are provided with significant state support.
— We have already worked out several important projects for the near future, — says Sergey Poluychik, Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee for Economy, introducing the situation. — Currently, a Russian investor is starting the construction of a 60-bed hotel and four separate guest houses near the M-1 highway — this is another step towards improving the roadside service infrastructure. A Baltic entrepreneur, who previously engaged in woodworking and supplied lumber for export, has upgraded his business. Due to the tightening of sanctions policy, he lost the opportunity to sell his goods in Europe, and therefore has undertaken the development of an innovative technology in the construction industry — he will produce unique prefabricated panel house kits made of wood and a special composite.
He already has prototypes, and is studying domestic and foreign markets. It is obvious that the product is in demand and will definitely find a buyer. In case of success, at least 25 new jobs will be created.
The District Executive Committee states that modern enterprises focused on innovative products are the strategic foundation of the future. Annually, the population of the district, where 13.4 thousand people live, decreases by about 300 people. Therefore, it is necessary, among other things, to attract young people to work in the district. Moreover, all conditions for the development of private initiative are available here: for the implementation of promising business projects, one can buy four real estate objects of choice for one basic value — former rural schools and kindergartens that are no longer in use. Three land plots for the construction of new enterprises have also been prepared. In addition, the district is rich in deposits of high-class clay, which can be used to produce high-quality ceramic tiles. The residents of Dubrovno have already sent a corresponding proposal to OJSC "Keramin" and justified that their raw materials are no worse than those previously imported from Ukraine.
Startup ideas are good. Real deeds are even better. And today, Sergey Ivanovich invites you to get acquainted with the work of a recently opened enterprise. On the way to the former consumer cooperative shop, now a sewing workshop producing tourist clothing and equipment, he tells an interesting story about finding an investor.a. It turns out that the interests of the private entity and the state coincided very successfully in this case. Although by chance.
The Dubrovno Flax Mill has significantly increased its export supplies by using cottonized fibre.
Representatives of a company that has production facilities in several Belarusian cities and operates in the Russian market were passing near Dubrovno on business. For some reason, they had to bypass a traffic jam on the highway, and they turned into the district centre. They liked the cosy, quiet town. And then the businessmen unexpectedly decided to visit the district employment service. They asked: what is the situation with seamstresses?
— We had just discussed the difficult situation in the labour market at the district executive committee the day before. We concluded that it would be good to open a sewing production in Dubrovno. So, by the time of their visit, we already had all the figures and analyses, — says Sergey Poluychik. — In short, we quickly found common ground with the guests and offered them several options for locating the workshop. That's how the issue was resolved.
Export Focus
…A spacious and bright room, two rows of modern sewing machines, smiling young women.
— We have been working for about two months, the staff is not yet complete, — says master seamstress Anna Kalinina, bringing us up to speed. — Previously, my friend Tatyana Panulina and I used to travel eight kilometres from home to work, but now it's convenient: everything is nearby. Of course, the responsibility is higher, but it's also more interesting to work.
The seamstresses are experienced and easily master the production of new items such as life jackets for adults and children, backpacks, and tourist suits — all of which are exported to the Russian Federation. Judging by the number of available sewing machines, at least ten more people will be hired here.
— The number of jobs will also be increased after the implementation of the second stage of the investment project within the framework of the "One District — One Project" initiative at OJSC "Dubrovensky Flax Mill", — explains Sergey Ivanovich. — Although the first stage, the installation of the cottonisation line, has already shown the timeliness of the decision made.
The director of the flax mill, Anatoly Bosenkov, proves this with figures:
— What did the new line provide? An increase of 15 employees, and a deeper and very profitable processing of flax for us. If previously short-fibre flax was sold cheaply, now the cottonised fibre produced from it is successfully shipped for export and brings the mill about 50 percent of its total revenue. Last year, we produced and sold more than 500 tonnes of this fibre, which is very similar in quality to cotton. The project was included in the regional investment programme and required a total of 2.2 million roubles. About half of this amount was budget funds. The equipment was purchased from China.
The technological line for the production of flaxseed oil is financed by the enterprise's own funds. Soon, flax processors will begin the installation and assembly of equipment, with commissioning planned for autumn — just in time for the new harvest. And the focus is again on export. It turns out that the technical flax oil, which the Dubroventsy will produce practically from waste, is in high demand in the petrochemical industry. It is willingly used by manufacturers of various paints, impregnations, and varnishes, and such products are marked with "eco" signs — as natural and harmless to humans.
By the way, OJSC "Dubrovensky Flax Mill" currently exports its goods to ten countries worldwide. Now that its products are becoming even higher quality and more diverse, there is an opportunity to explore new markets.
you.
vitebsk-region.gov.by
