Lukashenko named three growth drivers of Belarus’ economy
There are no and cannot be secondary topics in the economy, because Belarus’ sovereignty and our people’s well-being depend on economic sustainability – as stated by President Aleksandr Lukashenko during today’s meeting discussing the state and development of the country’s mineral resource base and the expansion of geological exploration, including hydrocarbons
The Head of State drew attention to the fact that – having its own raw material base for many positions – Belarus continues to spend huge money on importing the most important types of raw materials. In particular, Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed to the fact that the glass industry is not fully supplied with quartz sand, “At the same time, the reserves explored could solve this problem for two years at once. There are many examples with insufficiently thought-out logistics. What do we have as a result? We have incomplete utilisation of production facilities and a drop in production, which obviously drags down other performance indicators.”
The Head of State cited fresh figures on some export items, “Last year, enterprises of the Architecture and Construction Ministry reduced exports of crushed stone by 25 percent. The Energy Ministry supplied almost half as much peat products abroad. Of course, we lose revenue. Everyone is blaming sanctions... There are no sanctions for you. Look for other markets.”
The President also has questions for the Research and Production Centre for Geology, which is engaged in exploration for all areas, “According to the State Control Committee, the technological and production assets there are 90 percent worn out. Where have you been looking so far? In 2022, I decided to strengthen this material and technical base. Over two years, twenty-one units of modern machinery and equipment were purchased. What about the result? How does our science work to intensify and improve geological exploration? Do scientists have new methods, programmes, and breakthrough technologies? These questions are addressed to the National Academy of Sciences.”
The President underlined that our common goal is not only to produce products with the maximum use of domestic raw materials, “There are three pillars, three growth drivers enabling us to develop further: efficiency, import substitution and export.”
In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko once again warned PM Roman Golovchenko about the inadmissibility of unreasonable mediation.
“Let’s agree that all approaches to the quality of work should be reconsidered in the Year of Quality,” continued Aleksandr Lukashenko. “If there are systemic problems that require my intervention, just tell me. Decisions will be made immediately. There are no and cannot be secondary topics in the economy, because Belarus’ sovereignty and our people’s well-being depend on economic sustainability. It’s the most vital.”
