Lukashenko outlines key aspects in development of small districts

SVISLOCH DISTRICT, 24 June (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined key aspects for economic growth in small districts of the region at the meeting to discuss the development prospects of Grodno Oblast on 24 June, BelTA informs.

According to the head of state, the meeting was organized in Svisloch District for a reason. “Your region is of those which got the status of the territory lagging behind in social and economic development by the government. Zelva District is in the same category. But I would have put it differently: these are promising districts in need of a wise strategy aimed at advanced development,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

According to the president, new enterprises should make products with a high added value and generate maximum profits. “We don't need enterprises just to employ people,” he stressed. “We need to build such facilities where our people will get normal salaries, at least three times higher than the average salary in the republic. And the main thing is to process our resources (forest, soil and so on) and make products with a high added value.”

At the same time, the president remarked that it is inadmissible to neglect the agricultural industry where many people are employed while developing new production facilities. “We always have such a problem: we build an industrial facility, and people from rural areas come here. Balance is important. We should not neglect rural areas,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president demanded to launch at least one investment project in every district of Grodno Oblast. Besides, it is necessary to sort things out at existing enterprises and production bases. “I want you to understand: a new generation is coming. If our generation does not lay the foundation now, the new generation will face serious difficulties. It is hard to say if they do all that or not,” the head of state remarked.

“There should not be any depressive regions. These are normal districts, and we must focus on them,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.