By the end of 2024, the economy of the Vitebsk region is demonstrating dynamic performance, with growth achieved in almost all key sectors: agriculture, manufacturing industry, retail trade, public catering, and construction. This was reported to a correspondent of "VV" by Anzhelika Nikitina, Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Executive Committee.
– The budget revenue plan has been overfulfilled, and population incomes are growing, which once again confirms the economic growth of the Vitebsk region, – emphasised the Deputy Chairperson. – We have managed to reduce the gap compared to other regions and Minsk in terms of average monthly salary and the number of economically active people.
The investment potential of the region is strengthening. Last year, our efforts were focused on increasing investments in the real sector of the economy – to 3.8 billion rubles, modernising existing and creating new production facilities, and developing small and medium-sized businesses. For 2025, we are setting targets to increase investment volumes to 4.5 billion rubles, implement projects aimed at creating high-tech production facilities and further modernising the public sector, and developing business in the regions. Industry, agriculture, tourism, and logistics remain the key drivers. The Vitebsk region hosts investors from China, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Iran. We would like domestic investors – our fellow countrymen – to engage more actively in the regions and develop their businesses in their native land.
Since the beginning of the five-year plan, 160 new production enterprises have been opened in the Vitebsk region, creating 2,400 jobs. Within the framework of the "One District – One Project" initiative, 13 projects have been implemented, including the organisation of a poultry meat cutting and packaging workshop in Shumilino (Vytkonprodukt LLC), construction materials in Lepel District (TsSK LLC), perfumery products in Dokshitsy District (Kosmoinvest LLC), construction of plants for the production of innovative equipment in Vitebsk (Vitstroytekmash UP), for the production of oils, lubricants, and special fluids in Glubokoye (SKANLINK LLC), and the creation of a garment production facility in Dokshitsy District (Dokshitskaya Sewing Manufactory LLC). In 2025, we plan to complete another 15 projects.
According to Anzhelika Nikitina, the industrial structure in our region is well-structured, and all its main branches are developing.
The driving force is the food industry, which shows growth in 2024, and its future development will be aimed at increasing the output of deep processing products with high added value.
Our light industry products, which account for a quarter of the republican volume in this sector, are in demand among Belarusian and foreign buyers. The shops "Da domu", "Belorussky linen", and "Vitebskiye Kovry" have long become brands not only of the Vitebsk region but also of the Republic of Belarus.
The metallurgical industry, machine tool and mechanical engineering are promising sectors. Within the framework of the Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, 3 integration investment projects are being implemented using Russian financial credit: at the enterprises "VISTAN" and "Krasny Borets" – the integration project "Soyuzny Stank"; in Orsha, on the premises of the "Pak" plant – a project for the organization of a ring rolling production.
Plans include a number of projects in woodworking and instrument engineering.
– We are focusing on the high-tech development of pharmaceuticals. Considering the current competencies of the Vitebsk region – pharmaceutical clusters, the training of biotechnologists and IT medicine specialists by universities in the region, the new plant at "Belvitunipharm", the implementation of the "Industry 4.0" concept project at "Belkarolin", and new projects "VIK – Animal Health" – emphasized the Deputy Chairperson.
The Vitebsk region actively cooperates with the Russian Federation. Approximately 30 agreements have been concluded at the level of the regional executive committee with Russian regions, and over 160 agreements have been signed between the regions of Vitebsk and Russia. Industrial enterprises work in close cooperation.
For example, "Polymerkonstruktsiya" is installing iron removal stations in 30 regions of Russia.
Cooperation has been established in education and cross-border tourism. For instance, a tourist route Minsk – Brest via Smolensk and Vitebsk is being developed.
Work has been established with Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Egypt, Libya, and African countries are also promising destinations for the northern region of Belarus.
– Products of the food and light industries, as well as machine tool, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceuticals, are in particular demand among foreign partners, – explained Anzhelika Nikitina.
By the way, favorite products of Anzhelika Nikitina are curd snacks "Mi-Shu" from Polotsk Dairy Plant, confectionery products from "Vitba", and new items from "Vitebsk Broiler Poultry Factory".
– I always buy Vitebsk "Borodinsky" bread, dairy products, and Glubokoye condensed milk, – noted the Deputy Chairperson. – I wear shoes and clothes from our Vitebsk enterprises: "Marko", "Belvest", Vitebsk Fur Factory. In my opinion, the products of all Vitebsk enterprises are of high quality. Those who try them once will become regular customers and connoisseurs of their quality. I am sure, for example, that branded products of Orsha Linen Mill, from kitchen towels to bed linen, are in every home.
The holders of the "Quality Mark" in 2024 are OJSC "Vityaz", "Orsha Linen Mill", "Vitebskhlebprom".