Before the commencement of work at the site, a solemn ceremony was held for the laying of a time capsule with a message to future generations. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, and the Chairman of the State Customs Committee, State Counsellor of Customs Service of the 3rd Rank, Vladimir Orlovsky.
— This centre should contribute to unlocking the economic potential of the region, — noted Alexander Subbotin. — I hope the construction of this facility will mark the beginning of a more global project. Furthermore, I am confident that the political madness prevailing in the European Union will inevitably cease, and in the future, we will be able to develop the western direction and trade successfully there.
— We have been engaged in the construction of TLCs along the border for a long time. This proved useful after the imposition of sanctions by unfriendly states: it allowed us to process a large cargo flow passing through our country, ensuring the export of enterprises and the supply of raw materials and components for production, — said Vladimir Orlovsky. — Due to the ban on entry into the European Union for our carriers, we had to completely restructure our operations and logistics: organise 18 locations for trailer swapping and goods reloading, where approximately 1700-1800 vehicles are serviced daily. We manage to cope without significant queues. Due to foreign policy conditions, part of the domestic business has reoriented towards logistics through the territory of Russia. Consequently, the role of the eastern regions of Belarus, particularly the Vitebsk region, has increased.
The "Vitebsk-Beltamozhservice" terminal will provide all types of modern transport and logistics services, enabling the facility to become a crucial link in Belarus's logistics system and integrate into promising international logistics routes. Additionally, a customs clearance point for cargo is planned to be established there.
A time capsule was embedded into a symbolic pillar, composed of four facets representing the cardinal directions, Belarus's advantageous geographical location, and its transit potential. Nearby, a stone was installed depicting the future TLC building.
"We are greatly honoured to live and work in this beautiful country. Today, we are united in our choice of a strategic course towards the development of a strong, sovereign, peaceful, and prosperous country – our native Belarus. We preserve historical memory, cherish cultural heritage, value the achievements of science and art, and bow before the heroic deeds of our Fatherland," the message reads. "We send our message to the future with a firm belief that you will preserve and multiply all the constructive achievements of our generation, reach new heights, and make our native land even more beautiful."
The initiative was blessed by Archbishop Dimitry of Vitebsk and Orsha.
The construction of the Class A "Vitebsk-Beltamozhservice" TLC is being carried out as part of the implementation of the Concept for the Development of the Logistics System of Belarus until 2030 and represents a significant stage in the development and expansion of the logistical infrastructure capacity of the Vitebsk region. The facility will house a complex of buildings, including an administrative and amenity building with a warehouse complex and an open area for the placement of oversized goods and vehicles, engineering structures to ensure the centre's operational capability, and parking areas.
The TLC project is a modern architectural solution. It was awarded a second-degree diploma at the XX Republican Competition for the Best Architectural Work.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by