President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko sees new opportunities for the development of the light industry in the country amidst the current challenging situation, including sanctions pressure. He stated this while receiving a report on the industry's situation from the Chairperson of the Bellegprom concern, Tatiana Lugina, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The Head of State noted that many foreign players have left the Russian market under the current circumstances. Imports have also decreased in Belarus. "So, this is a chance to occupy this niche. In our main market – the Russian one. And in the domestic market. Therefore, if you do not rise to the occasion during this time, like other sectors, for example, like agriculture, you are worthless. No one is hindering you now. And you are essentially monopolists, you have no real competition. This is the opportunity of this difficult period," emphasized the Belarusian leader. "I always talk about this. A crisis is tough, difficult, but it is a chance, it is an opportunity. And primarily for the light industry. We have everything. We have fabrics, we have sewing machines, qualified personnel – both technicians and managers, and seamstresses, and others who knit and do other things – we have everything. Therefore, everything depends on us, how we will develop. And if you have any problems, tell us. We will solve them now. It is easier to solve them now."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that an export focus is good, but one should not forget about the domestic market, which was once given away "to someone unknown." "Everything from rags – second-hand clothes to brands – was brought here. And we either bought rags or brands. And where the country's enterprises, over 2,000 light industry enterprises, should have been working, there was a gap," the President pointed out.
Vice-Premier Petr Parkhomchik, who oversees industry, Chairperson of the State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov, and Chairperson of the National Statistical Committee Inna Medvedeva were invited to the report along with Tatiana Lugina.
On the performance of the light industry under sanctions
Alexander Lukashenko began the meeting by suggesting to discuss "whether it is as light (industry. – BELTA’s note) as it sometimes seems to us." He inquired about how enterprises are operating during this difficult period of sanctions. "Although we agreed that we have forgotten about any difficulties and challenges. They are ordinary, surmountable," noted the Belarusian leader.
He also drew attention to the fact that the issue is not just about the work of enterprises subordinate to the concern, but also about the entire light industry as a whole. "I have regularly and constantly warned about this. We do not have enterprises that are, as we often call them, without departmental subordination. Everything is under our department. Because they are in the country. Without excessive pressure, of course. It is your business how you will manage them. But, nevertheless, what contacts, connections do you have with private non-state enterprises, with enterprises that are not part of your concern? How do they work?" - the head of state outlined one of the questions.
On Exports
Another topic of the report is exports. "How is the geography of product supplies expanding at this time? We all say that the logistics chains have been disrupted. This is indeed the case. But, nevertheless, many enterprises and even associations have successfully overcome these problems and built new supply routes for products to consumers. Therefore, exports are the foundation of our economy. How are things here?" - Alexander Lukashenko inquired.
On the Domestic Market and Import Substitution
The President also drew attention to the issue of saturating the domestic market and import substitution. "It's a disaster when our people, although there are fewer of them now, run to the store with their eyes shining at the sight of some imported product. As if we cannot sew our own products!" - he noted.
In this regard, Alexander Lukashenko noted that all five participants of the meeting, including himself, are dressed in domestic clothing. "I can present it, please. I also dress exclusively in clothes of our production," - the President said.
On the Implementation of Assignments
The head of state identified the issue of implementing previously given assignments as one of the main points at the meeting. It was for this reason, among others, that the Chairman of the State Control Committee was invited to the event. "So that there is no one-sided game here. You are in control of these assignments. I would like to know how they are being fulfilled. We have a habit of dragging our feet on these assignments until the President addresses them for the second or third time in terms of control," - Alexander Lukashenko explained, addressing Vasily Gerasimov.
In turn, the head of Belstat, the President continued, is aware of the situation on the domestic market regarding the light industry. "Also, for us to have a very frank and honest conversation. Figures are figures. You can't get away from them. This will be an objective assessment of the light industry's performance in external and domestic markets. Belstat sees everything," the Head of State noted.
"Let's be brief, without embellishment. How are we working, what haven't we done, what are the problems?" Alexander Lukashenko invited everyone to a frank and business-like conversation.
Source: belta.by