Golovchenko presented state awards to representatives of various professions from all over Belarus
Today, on behalf of the Head of State, Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has presented state awards to people who deserve to be known throughout the country, with the solemn ceremony taking place at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk
“You represent completely different professions and came here from throughout Belarus, but you are all people of exceptional hard work and responsibility. In my opinion, this is what unites you. Creative work underlies the development of any society. And ours is no exception. The past year has not been easy, but it couldn’t be any other way: you all see what turbulent processes are taking place both along the perimeter of our state and in the world as a whole. However, I think that today we can say that we passed this year’s test with dignity,” Roman Golovchenko noted during his speech.
He said that economic growth rates are higher than those registered in the world, “We predict that by late 2023 the GDP growth rate will reach 103.8 percent. These are not bad results, considering the economic pressure that is being put on us. Moreover, this meets the task set up by the Head of State.”
In addition, according to the PM, the country’s investment activity is intensifying, with Belarus investing financial resources in new facilities, productions and technologies, “Over eleven months of this year, the growth rate of investment in fixed assets increased by 14 percent compared to the same period last year. This suggests that we will have new industries and sectors, generating profit for the economy.”
Roman Golovchenko stressed that foreign trade is also balanced, with positive balance totalling around $700m.
“This means we export more than we import. Accordingly, this does not put pressure on our balance of payments or gold and foreign exchange reserves: everything is stable here.”
The Prime Minister noted that bank deposits of citizens and organisations are growing. The balance of deposits is rapidly changing, with fewer foreign currency deposits and more those in Belarusian Rouble, indicating an increase in confidence in the national currency, “This is a goal that we have been pursuing for a long time, and now we see significant shifts in this direction.”
At the same time, the main goal of the entire economy has been achieved: the growth of the population’s well-being has been ensured.
“Over eleven months, the nominal accrued average monthly wage in the country amounted to Br1,870 – an increase of 16.5 percent compared to the same period last year. Real growth, i.e., adjusted for inflation, totalled 110.5 percent,” informed Roman Golovchenko. “Despite prices growing for certain goods, our people still received 10 percent more on average compared to what they received in real terms in 2022. Of course, this is not enough. I’m sure that the nominal accrued salary will reach Br2,000 by the end of the year, but more is certainly needed. And in order for it to be higher, greater labour productivity is needed, new high-tech and high-margin productions are needed.”
The PM underlined that such a result would have been impossible to achieve without the dedicated work of each of those present at the ceremony. He addressed words of gratitude to the workers of the petrochemical industry, who were especially numerous among those awarded, “2023 was a difficult year for the industry. A multi-year programme of complex technical modernisation of our two oil refineries in Novopolotsk and Mozyr has been completed, enabling us to significantly deepen oil refining and increase the yield of light oil products. In the near future, our petrochemical industry also faces very important and large-scale tasks: the modernisation of one of the largest European producers of nitrogen fertilisers – Grodno Azot. It is also necessary to create new production facilities at Mogilevkhimvolokno enterprise and other companies.
Roman Golovchenko expressed confidence that all plans will be implemented by true professionals.
Many representatives of the forestry industry were also present in the hall. The PM recalled that forests account for 41 percent of the territory of Belarus, being controlled and managed by a 37,000-strong team of workers in this area, “I’d like to note that eighteen months have passed since our timber processing industry faced unprecedented sanctions from Western states, but thanks to prompt and efficient management decisions on the ground, we’ve managed to preserve labour teams while also ensuring the fulfilment of all social and economic indicators. Although you know very well that business connections, markets, and so on that had been developing for decades were actually blocked overnight.”
The achievements of industrialists were also noted, with representatives of Belarus’ key enterprises attending the awards ceremony, “Our industrialists worked very well both last year and this year, with industrial production raising by 12 percent by the year end. The task is not to lose the achieved pace next year.”
Tax authorities were also presented with high awards. According to Roman Golovchenko, about 70 percent of all budget revenues are generated through payments controlled by tax authorities. From these incomes, salaries, pensions, and other benefits are subsequently paid, and the country’s most important projects across various fields are financed.
Moreover, there were many figures of culture, science and education in the hall, who – with their personal contributions – strengthen the intellectual potential and cultural heritage of the Belarusian nation.
“You are at the forefront of the fight for the minds and souls of our, especially young, citizens, playing an invaluable role in educating strong personalities with high moral qualities and strong values,” the PM said during the awards ceremony, congratulating the holders of state awards on the upcoming New Year and wishing them new victories and achievements.
