Miory Regional Executive Committee
At the on-site meeting of the Expert Advisory Council (EAC) under the Presidium of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, which took place in Vitebsk under the chairmanship of the Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natalia Kochanova, issues concerning the development of light industry enterprises and proposals to strengthen personnel training were discussed, reports a BELTA correspondent.
This is already the sixth on-site meeting of the current convocation, and this time the central topic of discussion was the development of "Bellegprom" enterprises and the promotion of their products both in the domestic and foreign markets. "Today, this is a strategic segment of our country's national economic complex. Over 2,000 organizations operate in this sector, employing more than 82,000 people. Most enterprises have been modernized, an intersectoral cooperation system is maintained, and export ties have been established with many countries. However, despite a well-developed production base, the domestic light industry faces certain difficulties. Our President pays special attention to this sector, and proof of that is the budget support provided to industry enterprises for modernization and ensuring stable operations," Natalia Kochanova noted. Chairman of the "Bellegprom" concern Tatiana Lugina spoke about the situation in the industry. "Products of light industry enterprises are exported to 95 countries worldwide. Belarusian flax is the country's calling card and a global brand. Our textiles and knitwear are recognized symbols of quality. In addition, light industry enterprises are addressing import substitution issues. Over the past 10 months, positive results have been achieved in the economy of the "Bellegprom" concern. Industrial production grew by 6%, sales revenue increased by 14.3%, net profit rose 2.8 times to reach Br260 million," the concern's head reported. At the same time, the staffing issue in the light industry system ranks among the top priorities, as there is a shortage of specialists and workers at some enterprises. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that students in secondary vocational schools receive several unrelated trades, such as seamstress and hairdresser. Despite the fact that this is done to enhance the competitiveness of young specialists
in the labor market, this affects the shortage of personnel for light industry enterprises, as novice employees leave for the service sector after completing mandatory employment in pursuit of easier work and better pay. Natalia Kochanova noted that training for this industry should be conducted where appropriate conditions exist—equipment, qualified specialists, and a solid scientific foundation—and also emphasized the need to consider a new specialist training system covering several related professions, which would provide career growth prospects for young people.
Regarding VSTU, admission to technical specialties is guided not only by the needs of the region and the country, but also by applicants' demand for engineering professions. Rector of the university Andrey Kuznetsov noted that for more effective operations, the university needs to procure modern equipment, which, together with the institution's strong scientific schools, will enhance the training of highly qualified personnel.
Managers of enterprises within the "Bellegprom" system outlined the strategies they follow in their operations. For instance, the Orsha Flax Plant launched a pilot project for selling its products via an online store, through which supplies to remote regions of Russia will be delivered. An important component of successful enterprise operations is corporate spirit and management's attitude toward their staff. Social guarantees, joint events to unite workers of different generations, and construction of new housing for young specialists were among the forms of employee retention discussed by meeting participants.
Summarizing the speakers' presentations, Natalia Kochanova noted that cooperation between enterprises, universities, secondary vocational schools, and general education schools is crucial for the development of the light industry. "To make children interested in the professions your enterprises need, you need to inform them about these professions. Go to schools, career guidance work should start there," the speaker emphasized.