Economy

Solid foundation for Belarusian economy growth needed this year

MINSK, 29 March (BelTA) – The administration of Grodno Oblast should promptly resolve existing problems, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he received a working report from Grodno Oblast governor Semyon Shapiro about the social and economic development of the oblast on 29 March. The press service of the Belarusian head of state told BelTA, the event was the final working report delivered to the head of state by the heads of administrations of the regions of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko said Semyon Shapiro has been the governor for only two years but the time is sufficient to evaluate the results. “For now the oblast does not look as good as we would like. Last year Grodno Oblast lagged behind in quantity and quality parameters of social and economic development,” said the President. In particular, the head of state pointed out Grodno Oblast has the largest finished goods inventory at industrial enterprises. “I am told some enterprises have indulged in messing with reports to cover up problems with sales, worsening their financial status,” said Alexander Lukashenko. Therefore, net losses of Grodno Oblast enterprises multiplied several times over last year. Besides, Grodno Oblast has the largest sums of outstanding debts to banks. The main debtors are the organizations directly run by the local authorities. The region’s sales of cattle and poultry for slaughter have also worsened. “To make it worse, last year’s problems continue into this year. You are once again among leaders in the finished goods inventory of industrial enterprises, you are one of those lagging behind in agricultural output and merchandise export. These problems must be solved. It will be very difficult to go for parliamentary elections with these problems,” said the President. “It is vital for us to create a solid foundation for accelerating economic growth and implementing the five-year program,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.