Lukashenko to take part in Belkoopsoyuz general meeting

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, will take part in the general meeting of members of the Belarusian Republican Union of Consumer Societies (Belkoopsoyuz), BelTA reports

In 2023, the total activity in the Belkoopsoyuz system earned Br3.5bn (with trade industry accounting for 65 percent). The consumer co-operation system unites 258 thousand shareholders, servicing 3.2 million people, or 35 percent of the country’s population.

Belkoopsoyuz organisations actively work in such areas as trade and public catering, with special focus placed on rural areas.

The procurement industry is an important area, enabling the population to sell the surplus of grown and harvested products. 759 procurement stations are involved in the procurement of agricultural products and raw materials. More than 30 types of agricultural products and raw materials are purchased, with their subsequent processing and sale organised. Last year, purchases of agricultural products and raw materials exceeded Br500m.

Belkoopsoyuz contributes to ensuring Belarus’ food security by stockpiling vegetables and potatoes for the off-season.

In general, consumer co-operation organisations provide more than 60 types of services to the population: market services, public catering, clothing repair, livestock slaughter, transport services, repair and maintenance of vehicles, car wash services, and driving schools.

Alongside traditional areas, Belkoopsoyuz has preserved the fur farming industry, being the country’s monopolist in this area. Moreover, Belkoopsoyuz is not just a supplier of raw materials, but also provides a complete closed production cycle. Its own design centre GNL is engaged in sewing finished fur products, including custom orders.

Belkoopsoyuz also has its own educational complex. A single cluster has been created to implement all types of educational programmes: from professional training of workers to the advanced training of highly qualified scientists. The Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Co-operatives operates in Gomel with two branches in Minsk and Mogilev, as well as four colleges (in Baranovichi, Molodechno, Gomel, Grodno).