October 23, Minsk /BELTA correspondent/. Economic modernization is a priority for Belarus. This was stated today by Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich at a meeting of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers, where the progress of implementing government decisions on the modernization of existing enterprises was reviewed, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"The topic of economic modernization is a priority. Without development, there can be no new products, and without new products, there can be no exports," the Prime Minister emphasized. "Therefore, issues of detailed work with each enterprise have been identified as key in the government's activities today." These issues are under constant control. It is expected that the government will review the work in this area of several ministries and regions at least once a month.
As noted by the Minister of Architecture and Construction of Belarus, Anatoly Nichkasov, in accordance with the instructions of the head of state and the government, each organization subordinate to the ministry has developed modernization plans for the period up to 2015. These plans include measures aimed at increasing revenue per employee, labor productivity, and wages. In total, modernization of 82 subordinate organizations is planned, including 39 industrial and 43 construction organizations.
It is planned to allocate $317 million for the implementation of modernization plans for construction organizations, including attracting about $25 million in net foreign direct investment. More than 9,000 high-performance jobs will be created in the ministry's construction organizations. The positive balance of foreign trade in construction services should exceed $200 million by 2015.
It is planned that wages in the sector will significantly increase. "We expect that the average wage may reach Br10 million. At the same time, labor productivity per employee will also be increased accordingly. We plan to double this indicator," said the minister. Modernization of enterprises and organizations of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction will allow for the development of import-substituting and export-oriented products, the organization of new production, including the production of energy-saving glass and glass wool. A plant for the production of soda ash will be built in the country. Other large-scale projects are also planned.
"We need to reach a new level of efficiency, equipment, and quality of work in construction, and for this, new equipment, tooling, and personnel training are necessary," concluded Anatoly Nichkasov. -0-