Lukashenko: it is necessary to create new drivers for Gomel Region’s economic growth
At today’s meeting with activists of the Gomel Region at the Vetka District Executive Committee, the President emphasised that – over the years of independence – the state has done a lot for the Gomel Region: in particular, five special Chernobyl-related programmes have been implemented, and the sixth one is already coming to an end
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed, “More than Br600m were invested in the affected regions last year alone, and the figure has reached billions [of Belarusian Roubles] in general. Tens of thousands of apartments, more than a hundred schools and kindergartens, thousands of kilometres of roads have been built, gas pipelines have been laid in more than a hundred settlements using these funds. Many different healthcare institutions have been established, including the unique Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology – which is virtually the only one of the kind in the world. You know all this and, I am sure, you appreciate it.”
The Head of State added that, in the first decade after the accident, Belarusians were literally fighting for survival. However, in recent years, development is in focus: involvement of lands into an agricultural activity, construction of dairy and feedlots complexes, creation of efficient industrial enterprises are in full swing.
“We need to look for, and even better, to create drivers of economic growth in the region in the near future. Therefore, I have decided today to move away from the practice of my traditional ‘Chernobyl’ visit and hold a working meeting on the situation in the region as a whole – so that to discuss here, on the spot, where the Gomel Region is moving to, what you lack, and how we can help. Our conversation should be very specific, honest and business-like,” the President addressed the meeting participants.
