The stable operation of Belarusian industry is the cornerstone of the country's economy.
The stable operation of Belarusian industry is the cornerstone of the country's economy. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, today at a meeting on the development of key organizations of the Ministry of Industry, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The main topic of the meeting was the situation at the largest enterprises of the Ministry of Industry. "We will clarify what they are doing and, most importantly, what prospects we see for these enterprises," explained Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He recalled that a few days ago he received a report from the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. At the meeting with them, the state of affairs in the credit and financial system was analyzed, and issues of budget revenue were considered. "Everyone understands perfectly well: the more effectively industrial enterprises operate, the more funds will go into the budget. This means the state will be able to finance social programs to a greater extent. Having analyzed the budget, we do not see problems with financing the main social measures for this year, including wages. In this regard, the stable operation of industry, especially our largest enterprises, is the cornerstone of the country's economy," emphasized the Head of State.
The President added that the current year has brought many challenges: due to the coronavirus pandemic, many markets have closed, and the full movement of capital and goods has practically ceased, especially for products manufactured in Belarus. Now, a difficult political situation in the country has been added to this, which, according to him, is being agitated from both within and outside. "The impact of this pressure on the domestic economic situation is felt," stated Aleksandr Lukashenko. "I want to emphasize again: no one will provide us with gratuitous assistance. We must rely on our own strength and capabilities."
The Head of State inquired from the meeting participants, primarily enterprise managers, about the moral and psychological atmosphere within work collectives, the progress of production processes, and the export situation for products. "Product sales are our key task. This is where currency, the ruble exchange rate, and so on come from. We cannot sit and wait for someone to come to us, form a queue at the factory gates, and buy this product. We need to be proactive ourselves. Export support measures are needed – and we are providing them. Perhaps we need to help in some other way?" the Head of State asked.
As noted by Alexander Lukashenko, based on the results of seven months, almost all industrial sectors have shown growth rates, and inventories of finished products are decreasing. Of course, these are positive signals, he said. At the same time, the President inquired about forecasts for how enterprises plan to finish 2020. "Next year marks the beginning of a new five-year plan; whatever it takes, we must make an effort and achieve more at the finish line," the Belarusian leader concluded.
According to the Minister of Industry, Petr Parkhomchik, Belarusian industrial enterprises are operating normally, all production lines are running, and products are being sold under concluded contracts. "The socio-psychological situation has normalized over the past week and is assessed as satisfactory. Isolated incidents of work stoppages in some areas that occurred previously are absent today. Explanatory work is constantly being carried out with the collectives. There are no economic reasons for potential strike actions," the minister stated.