Miory Regional Executive Committee

This thought was expressed by Irina Levkovich, a member of the Council of the Republic, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, and Head of the Main Directorate of Trade and Services of the Regional Executive Committee, during a meeting of the presidium of the Regional Council of Deputies.

– Today, the industry faces very serious tasks. First of all, they are outlined by the head of state: these are priorities concerning the sale of domestic goods and maintaining price stability, – noted in particular Irina Levkovich. – If we speak about the results with which we approached the consideration of this serious issue at the presidium, then in terms of the share of domestic goods, we hold first place in the republic and remain within the consumer price parameters that have been set. At the same time, there are differences, and quite significant ones, in the work of the regions; some clearly fall short in both areas. At the presidium, we not only discussed this but also set tasks – primarily for the local Councils of Deputies, because deputies at all levels must similarly take an active part in this work, monitoring the situation on the consumer market of cities and districts. Elected officials must verify whether goods from domestic manufacturers are indeed given prime placement in our retail outlets; analyze whether prices are rising within the established parameters, if they are rising at all. Although, in essence, there should be no widespread surge in prices; this is precisely what all resolutions of the Council of Ministers and government directives are aimed at. Therefore, I believe that as a result of the concrete and serious discussion held, we will not only maintain our leading positions but also improve our results.

No one sets the task of eliminating imported goods, noted Irina Levkovich in response to journalists' questions. Such goods will remain available for objective reasons – either they are not produced within the territory of Belarus, or they do not grow there (if we are referring to vegetables or fruits). However, according to the Doctrine of National Food Security of the Republic of Belarus, Belarusian products must account for at least 85% of the sales volume of food products, and this target should be pursued.

For 2023 and January–March 2024, specialists of the regional, city, and district executive committees, within the framework of powers granted by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated October 16, 2009 No. 510 "On improving control (supervisory) activities in the Republic of Belarus" and the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated October 19, 2022 No. 713 "On the price regulation system", conducted control and analytical measures regarding compliance with legislation in the fields of trade, public catering, consumer rights protection, and pricing at 2,900 retail facilities and public catering establishments in the region.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by