The socio-economic development program for the Vitebsk region for 2026–2030 has been submitted for consideration and approval at an extraordinary session of the regional Council of Deputies.
As noted by the Chairman of the Regional Council, Dmitry Demidov, this is a crucial document defining the region's development for the next five-year period.
– In developing this document, we started from the results achieved during the implementation of the socio-economic development program for the previous five-year period, analysed all accomplishments, and, of course, focused on eliminating negative trends. Our goal is to do everything possible to ensure people feel confident and associate their life trajectory specifically with the Vitebsk region. This includes developing industrial potential, the agro-technical complex, improving the education and healthcare systems, and so on, – emphasized Dmitry Demidov.
The head of the region's parliamentary body also highlighted the importance of developing each district, which is directly linked to the demographic situation. There are challenges in this regard, and they need to be addressed by making life in small settlements more attractive. Primarily through the implementation of investment projects and job creation, so that people can have employment and decent working conditions. The next step is the creation and development of infrastructure, both transport and social, so that regardless of the distance from the regional centre, other major cities, or districts, people have access to quality education, medical care, cultural leisure activities, and so on. The five-year development program takes all of this into account. After all, strong regions make a strong country.
– One of the key aspects is the development of tourism potential. The Vitebsk region is rightly considered one of the most beautiful regions of Belarus. We possess unique natural landscapes and historical and cultural values. We have already shown a significant increase in the tourism sector, but this potential is not yet being fully utilized. It is necessary to create and develop tourism infrastructure, conditions for both residents of our country and guests from abroad to visit and receive a full range of services. In the modern world, this is one of the main drivers of economic development. The program is aimed at implementing specific projects, at developing our intellectual and technological potential. And I am confident that we will strive to fulfill the task set by the President for the breakthrough development of the Vitebsk region. We have almost everything for this: support from the state, internal mobilization. It depends only on us how successfully we implement it, – emphasized Dmitry Demidov and cited some figures. Thus, over the past five-year period, about 190 investment projects have been implemented, including in the regions. The volume of attracted investments in industry amounted to about 10 billion rubles. We managed not only to maintain but also to increase export shipments. Practically all subjects of the Russian Federation are covered and involved in cooperation with enterprises of the Vitebsk region. Business cooperation with the People's Republic of China has been established in terms of exports and establishing business contacts. This is the foundation from which we must continue to work.