Lukashenko: the more Belarus-made, natural and high-quality products on our market, the better

During today’s general meeting of members of the Belarusian Republican Union of Consumer Societies (Belkoopsoyuz), the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, strongly recommended that consumer co-operation pay attention to the development of its industry

photo: www.president.gov.by

He noted, “Processing is not only a reserve for increasing activities. Alongside public catering, it is also an additional mechanism for compensating for low-efficiency trade in rural areas. You boast enough competitive advantages.”

The Head of State pointed out that the production of food for consumer co-operation has several strategic aspects, “This is naturalness, expansion of the range and increased productivity. Much of what you produce – pickles, bread, confectionery, meat, sausage, frozen mushrooms – is always in demand. Expand your range...”

The President referred to recent criticism of baked goods on social media. In this regard, he recalled a small bakery in Svisloch, which became renowned for the now famous Batskava Bulka – giving a birth to the whole festival.

The Head of State is perplexed, “Svisloch showed us how to do. Why can’t Rogachev do the same? Obviously, co-operators could very well solve this problem.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that the last meeting raised the issue of the importance of import substitution, “It’s necessary that Belarus does not have to buy canned peas, corn, baby food, and ketchups for foreign currency. Two years ago, I drew your attention to the fact that our market is only half filled with Belarusian canned fruits and vegetables, while juices and pickled vegetables accounting for a little more than 60 percent. I suggested that Belkoopsoyuz work harder and occupy these niches... Today we see, according to statistics, that the share of domestic products in retail sales over the past year has grown only in juices and canned fruits and vegetables even by less than 10 percent. This is not enough.”

The President demands to understand that ‘the more Belarus-made, natural and high-quality products on our market, the better for everyone. Moreover, load your production capacities. So far, judging by the documents presented, they are far from being fully involved, suggesting that you need to more actively promote yourself, your capabilities, and find those who are ready to place their orders at your factories. I repeat once again, exhibitions are always a feat for the eyes while complaints are received about stores. This will not work.”