Lukashenko: The Gomel region needs new drivers of economic growth

The Gomel region needs new drivers of economic growth. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the asset of the Gomel region, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"If in the first decade after the accident we fought literally for survival, then in recent years we have been talking about development. Involving land in agricultural circulation, building dairy and fattening complexes, creating efficient industrial enterprises. What, what, but you have nothing to complain about. There is not a single city of yours, more or less large, where I have not visited and planned the construction of either woodworking, processing, pulp, or oil refineries," Alexander Lukashenko said.

He noted that a lot has been done in the Gomel region, and in terms of industry, it is one of the most developed regions. "We need to look for, and even better - create drivers of economic growth for the region in the near future," the President emphasized.

Therefore, the head of state explained, this time it was decided to depart from the practice of a traditional "Chernobyl" visit and hold a working meeting on the situation in the region as a whole. "So that here, on the spot, we can discuss where the Gomel region is moving, what is missing, how we can help. Our conversation should be extremely specific, honest, and business-like," said Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the President, the results of the first quarter for the region are far from what was expected. In terms of economic development, the region ranks fourth among all regions.

Although industry, the head of state noted, performed well: a growth of 4.5%, while the national indicators increased by about 2%. But this is largely due to the contribution of organizations of republican ownership (their share is about 80%), Alexander Lukashenko explained.

"What is within your area of responsibility? In agriculture, the pace is not reaching 100% and it's the last place in the country. I was informed about the progress of spring field work, land reclamation measures, and the restoration of depreciated equipment. But we also need to talk about other things. Things seem to be okay here for now, but you can't count your chickens before they hatch. In November last year, we held a rather substantive, even tough meeting on the development strategy of the region's agro-industrial complex. We set priorities, agreed on approaches, and received assurances from the leaders that we would work hard, with full commitment," the President recalled.

However, according to him, this is not strongly felt. The Head of State asked what has been done to date and what issues are hindering the implementation of those agreements?

"We are trying to solve many problems by consolidating or attaching farms to powerful industrial enterprises. What is the effect of this? You should see it already. What about other productions? How are you pulling them out? There are problems, - noted Alexander Lukashenko. - The fact that you are consolidating farms, making them larger (around, naturally, dairy farms, some other complexes) and equipping them with new machinery is good. If that's the case. But if you join the destitute to the destitute, you know that they will remain destitute."

Flying over the Gomel region by helicopter today, the President observed what was being done on farms, in fields, at all construction sites, facilities, and roads. "Unharvested straw, overgrown organic matter. A multitude of ownerless and unused buildings and structures. There is still no proper order. And the most dangerous thing is that it is not expected this year, - he shared his impressions of what he saw. - And, as I am informed, it has not been possible to eradicate falsification of reports and livestock deaths."

For example, in the Yel'sk district, the mortality rate has doubled, in Dobrush and Lel'chytsy districts – almost similarly. Over three months, throughout the region, nearly 4,000 calves under six months of age alone have died. "How much longer do we need to train personnel, help them, so that they master the elementary, the basics? No one needs to be taught here: everyone knows how to do it. But for some reason, it is not being done. Continuing the topic of Lel'chytsy. I gave instructions to thoroughly investigate each facility and project in the Lel'chytsy industrial park, some of which also affect neighboring districts. We discuss a lot, we consult, meetings are held in the government. But sometimes, for some reason, things do not move beyond words. Or is this a non-promising direction, not a growth point? I will listen to your proposals on this matter," the head of state said.

Source: belta.by