Vitebsk region needs a step-by-step anti-crisis plan. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on certain issues of socio-economic development of the Vitebsk region, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"A step-by-step anti-crisis plan is needed. Clear, specific, feasible," stressed the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that in October 2025, a large-scale meeting on the socio-economic development of the Vitebsk region was held. He noted that the situation in the region is developing worse than in other regions, but others should not relax either. "What we see in the Vitebsk region is characteristic of all regions. I want you to hear this and convey it to every governor," stressed the Belarusian leader.
The Head of State noted that in Vitebsk, at the meeting, the range of problems that had not been solved for years, were passed down "by inheritance" from one governor to another and eventually turned into systemic ones, was strictly outlined. It was also agreed that by the new year, the region's leadership would take operational measures to restore order.
In January of the current year, Alexander Rogozhnik was appointed Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. "Today is the first control point to assess the real situation and understand if there are positive shifts. The governor must start with the pain points and decision-making. Decisions must be made. If you make mistakes, we will correct them," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"The new governor will have to eliminate all problems with the people he has. He is starting work effectively in field conditions. You yourself are a military person by nature. Everyone must run (in implementing tasks for the region's development. - BELTA note). If you run, I will help and support you if you deserve it. A realistic plan and military discipline for the implementation of these plans are needed," stressed the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko, in particular, mentioned integration structures in the agro-industrial complex of the Vitebsk region, of which there are currently six left. "I have found responsible people for three structures. They will provide assistance, ask questions, demand, and inform me," said the President.
These three individuals are people who are already implementing successful projects in the agro-industrial complex, including those representing private business: Vladimir Lukyanov, Director General of the Dzerzhinsky agro-combine, businessmen Alexander Moshensky and Evgeny Baskin.
"Here you have, I tell you, men, raw material zones. Three out of six. As for the other three (integration structures. - Ed. BELTA), you will find them yourselves. They will be your assistants. Technologically, financially, organizationally. But they will help you, recommend. And the governor will make decisions together with the chairmen of the district executive committees. There are 21 of them. Act through them," the President stated.
Alexander Lukashenko shared that he had even considered the possibility of introducing separate tax incentives for the Vitebsk region. However, this option needs to be thoroughly calculated.
"We need to consider different options. But for now, we will help specifically. When he comes to you (the head of the region to the government. - Ed. BELTA), it will be 200 prophylactic facilities (for calves. - Ed. BELTA). You know the price. Minus another 10%. Because we will provide timber and so on. Let them saw boards at "Vitebskdrev". We will manufacture metal poles with the money we help with, and give them to them. Let them do it. They have experience. We will build one calf shed. We will show it to the 21 chairmen of the district executive committees and the governor," said the head of state.
"Decide who will be leading there, who will be carrying out the cleanup, and what the return will be. Think about what products you will produce," advised the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that some promising projects had already been proposed to the Vitebsk region, and there were corresponding plans. This includes cooperation with partners from China and Oman.
For example, this concerns the expansion of greenhouse farming, utilising the unused resources of the Lukomlskaya State District Power Station. "We agreed that there would be greenhouses all around. Cheap electricity. We will finally get tomatoes, cucumbers, and other produce that is lacking, so that people can live normally during the off-season," noted the head of state.
The same applies to the prospects of growing flowers in greenhouses, which can be sold not only in Belarus, as an alternative to imports. You can grow anything in greenhouses, the President is confident.
"You need to get moving! I'm not even talking about woodworking. You live in a forest. Today, timber is needed by everyone," emphasized the head of state.
Regarding cooperation with Oman, Alexander Lukashenko recalled the large-scale project for the construction of a pulp and paper mill. "Build it. They will take all the products, sell them, and pay you money," the President said.
Alexander Lukashenko also recalled the sowing campaign, the active phase of which will begin in two months. However, he noted, there is still some lag in the accumulation of fertilizers across the country. "Well, it's your business how you will get out of this. Think about how we will sow in two months. And Gorlov (Minister of Agriculture and Food Yuri Gorlov. - BELTA note) said that spring will be early," the head of state noted.
Among the participants of the current meeting are Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, Chairpersons of the Parliament chambers Natalia Kochanova and Igor Sergeenko, who are also heads of the working group for controlling the socio-economic development of the Vitebsk region, Head of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Krutoy, Chairman of the State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov, Prosecutor General Dmitry Gora, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank Roman Golovchenko, Administrator of Affairs of the President Yuri Nazarov. Deputy Prime Ministers, a number of ministers, deputy chairpersons of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, and heads of banks have also been invited.