On January 27, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. Professionals are the golden fund of the state. This opinion was expressed today at the award ceremony for the laureates of the title "Person of the Year of the Vitebsk Region" by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, BELTA correspondent reports. "Today, the best representatives of all professions who ensure the effective development of the socio-economic complex of our region have gathered in this hall," noted Alexander Kosinets, emphasizing that working people, professionals in their field, have always been respected and are the golden fund of the state. Addressing the audience, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee noted that they are primarily distinguished by their love for their profession. "You work efficiently, productively, you are innovators, "beacons" for others. This is what characterizes the laureates of the title "Person of the Year of the Vitebsk Region". Holders of this title are evidence that from a worker to a high-ranking leader, all are equal in achieving labor success and, ultimately, in receiving rewards for their work," said the governor. The past year was not easy for the economy of Belarus. However, Belarusians managed to respond worthily to the challenges of the time. In the Vitebsk region, net profit as a result of measures taken in 2011 amounted to Br1.8 trillion, which is 2.5 times more than in 2010. Exports increased 1.5 times. Organizations in the region trade with 111 countries of the world. Effective management of the agro-industrial complex was ensured, which made it possible to fully ensure food security. During the implementation of the regional program "Clean Fields", work was carried out on clearing woody and shrubby vegetation and eliminating waterlogging over an area of 135 thousand hectares, which made it possible to bring previously unused land into agricultural circulation, increase the average size of arable land contours, and also reduce material costs during field work. Much has been done for the construction of housing, industrial, and social facilities. The Program for Innovative and Investment Development of the Vitebsk Region for 2011-2015, including 19 subprograms in various fields of activity, was developed in the region in a timely manner. "This is a strategic document for the use of geopolitical position, natural resources, and intellectual potential, which provides serious prospects for further strengthening the socio-economic situation of the Vitebsk region," noted Alexander Kosinets.