Miory Regional Executive Committee
The working schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws… And even when there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state is not working. However, even during his leisure time, be it hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds an occasion for another assignment. As he likes to say, one must always proceed from life.
The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state, stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
In what way did Lukashenko support hunters, although he himself is not a proponent of this hobby; and what is the "Big Belarusian Seven".
Operation of minibuses and taxis in Belarus. What prompted raising this issue at the highest level, and what innovations await this sphere in the very near future.
Who got caught in Belarus for milk, or what the greed of some leaders and businessmen leads to. Details of the high-profile case of milk producers from the horse's mouth.
The road of life from Gaza to Belarus. How the President's instructions were carried out, and what role the KGB played in this.
And also details of Lukashenko's working trip to Gomel. How the preservation and repair of weapons are ensured, what the head of state praised the military for, where diamonds are cut and ingots are cast in Belarus, and what is more beautiful than the rarest diamonds. All this and more in the new issue of the special project by BELTA "President's Week".
THE BIG SEVEN. What issues did the chief Belarusian hunter report to the President on
On November 13, Alexander Lukashenko heard a report on the activities of the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen. Chairman of the state public association Igor Shunevich and Vice-Premier Leonid Zayats were invited to the event with the head of state.
ISSUES OF THE BELARUSIAN SOCIETY OF HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN BECAME THE TOPIC OF A REPORT TO LUKASHENKO
"As far as I understand, you initiated this conversation because the decision made by the Government is not quite what the society would like," the head of state said, addressing Igor Shunevich. "You understand, there are state interests, personal interests, and the interests of society. But it must be done reasonably – in a way that is best for the state and for the people who are members of our organization today."
One of the issues concerned the charter of the public association: "What is there that was not agreed upon in the Government?" the President inquired.
The presented list of issues included a topic related to the production of ammunition for smooth-bore weapons. "I don't see anything wrong with this. Let's think about how to do it better," the head of state stated.
Also on the agenda was the issue of adjusting legislation on the circulation of weapons and ammunition.
Another topic concerned the regulation of the population of animals and birds listed in the Red Book of Belarus. "This is a super-state issue, very important for the image of our country as well," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
The Chairman of the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen also spoke about the organization's activities and its ongoing reform. "A year and a half ago, I reported a proposal for reform. It is proceeding as planned, and the main decisions have already been made. During this period, the society has taken significant steps towards improving not only the work of the society but also, as you rightly noted, from a state perspective, the hunting industry as a whole in the country," he said.
BELARUSIAN HUNTERS GET THEIR OWN "G7 AND G5". THE FIRST HONORARY BADGE WAS PRESENTED TO LUKASHENKO
As Igor Shunevich emphasized, hunting is a traditional Belarusian pursuit and a sector into which the state invests huge material resources, and, accordingly, should receive a return.
About Trophy Hunting
The head of the Belarusian Hunters and Fishermen Union also presented a new initiative to Alexander Lukashenko - the badges "Great Belarusian Five" and "Great Belarusian Seven" have been established, which will be awarded for trophy hunting. The first such badge was presented to Alexander Lukashenko by Igor Shunevich during the meeting.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that he is not a hunter, so he will hand over the award to the museum.
According to the head of the Belarusian Hunters and Fishermen Union, similar ratings exist in other countries around the world, and when creating the domestic badge, specialists relied on the experience of Africa. In particular, among hunters, the "Big Five of Africa" is well-known, which includes the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and buffalo.
The Belarusian badges for trophy hunters are made by jewelers using precious metals - gold and silver. The "seven" is intended for men, and the "five" for women. To receive the award, they must obtain trophies of so-called golden quality within 5 years, as specified in a special regulation. Traditionally, the Belarusian "five" is considered to be the elk, deer, roe deer, wolf, and wild boar. It was taken as the basis for the male nomination. Thus, the owner of the "Great Belarusian Seven" must obtain an elk, deer, roe deer, wolf, and wild boar, plus a European bison and a capercaillie. For women, the European bison and wolf were removed from this list.
On Decisions Dictated by Life Itself
One of the issues discussed during the meeting was the regulation of the population of game species and species listed in the Red Book of Belarus. "The issue of the brown bear is well-known. The issue of the lynx is less known," noted the head of the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen (BOOR). "We have presented our proposals in this regard, not suggesting extreme or obviously unpopular measures, but solutions dictated by life itself."
Recently, the populations of brown bears and lynx in Belarus have increased, along with the overall increase in biodiversity in the country. "It is proposed to reasonably manage these species by regulating their numbers, not by opening hunting seasons for them. That is, where there is an excessive number of brown bears and they interfere with human life, it is proposed to remove a certain number of animals to achieve balance, to create a balance between human and animal interests," said the head of BOOR.
In response to clarifying questions from journalists about the methods of such removal, Igor Shunevich replied: "The bear population is growing rapidly in our country. There are already more than 700 (individuals. - BELTA's note), whereas twenty years ago there were 150. Our task is to get a clear understanding from our scientific community about the optimal number of bears that should be in our territory, which would allow us to open hunting for them. Since this optimal number has not yet been determined, we say: let's regulate the population where there are too many, excessively many, where they interfere with life."
The head of BOOR emphasized that at this stage, the discussion is only about population regulation: "This does not mean that we will open hunting. This is a Red Book species." "But if there is an excessive number of them, a certain number must be culled, especially problematic animals that enter settlements, apiaries, and have already injured people," Igor Shunevich is convinced.
HOME - FOR THE FACTORY WORKERS! How the President helped MZKT employees with housing issues
Alexander Lukashenko supported the proposal for the gratuitous transfer of ownership of 40 apartments in a multi-story residential building on Plekhanova Street in Minsk to OJSC "MZKT" for the enterprise's employees. This became known on November 13.
LUKASHENKO SUPPORTED THE FACTORY WORKERS' REQUEST AND HELPED MZKT WITH HOUSING ISSUE
It might seem like an issue not of state importance, but the President often delves into and makes decisions on such everyday matters. Not so long ago, he dealt with the problem of Minsk equity holders, who were being unreasonably charged for their yet-to-be-completed "squares," and now he has helped the factory workers.
Previously, the building housed a non-residential dormitory. In 2013, it was transferred to MZKT for gratuitous use. At the expense of the enterprise, repairs and reconstruction were carried out, converting it into a multi-apartment residential building of the rental type.
"In 2018, we commissioned it and housed our employees. The four-story building contains 40 apartments: 32 two-room and 8 one-room. This is rental housing. It was state property, but in MZKT's use," explained Pavel Oger, Deputy General Director of MZKT, to BELTA.
Nevertheless, the rent for the factory workers was quite high. This was due to the fact that the calculation was based on general current norms and coefficients, taking into account all factors, including the location of the building. Currently, the enterprise is unable to reduce the rent for certain categories of its employees, including those in need of financial support.
Given the President's decision to transfer the apartments to MZKT's ownership, the enterprise will be able to independently set housing fees and provide for a reduction in their amounts, as well as additional benefits for large families.
"There were several appeals regarding the cost of this rental housing. One of the solutions we saw was to ask the state to transfer it to us for ownership. Because we invested enterprise funds in this housing," noted Pavel Oger.
The enterprise expects that this measure will allow for a more flexible and high-quality solution to the housing issue for highly qualified specialists. This is one of the elements of improving housing conditions for MZKT employees. At the same time, people are not removed from the general queue and can build their own housing in the future.
"RENTAL HOUSING IS A GREAT HELP". BELTA VISITED FACTORY WORKERS SUPPORTED BY THE PRESIDENT
UNIFORM RULES OF THE GAME. What's wrong with passenger transportation, and how Lukashenko ordered to establish order with minibuses and taxis
The President held a meeting on passenger transportation issues on November 14. "We are approaching this issue not only and not so much because of a number of road accidents. But also because often in our lives there are many unorganized directions and issues. And since this is the safety of people, our citizens (not to mention taxes, there are plenty of abuses), this issue needs to be organized," the Belarusian leader noted.
He emphasized the need to thoroughly understand and establish uniform rules of the game for everyone – strict, transparent, and understandable: "No one needs to be pressured, persecuted, fired, etc. The rules of the game are the same for everyone! Both for legal and illegal, organized and unorganized. According to uniform rules. A step to the left, a step to the right… It is necessary to determine what functions the state undertakes as a regulator: how total control will be exercised in this area, what additional responsibilities carriers will have."
ON TWO SIMPLE REQUIREMENTS
The issue of passenger road transport concerns minibuses operating within cities and between settlements, as well as taxis.
"The state has two simple requirements for this sector. The first is the safety of people. Many of our citizens and guests of the country use this type of transport. The second is the legal operation of carriers. This is because they understate their revenue, hide it, pay salaries in envelopes, and evade taxes on a massive scale. Law enforcement agencies are dealing with this. I would like Kubrakov, together with Tertel (heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB. - BELTA note), to report to me before the New Year for decision-making. There's no point in talking to them. If you haven't paid the tax, then you go there (referring to prosecution in accordance with the law. - BELTA note)," said the head of state.
He stated that the generally understandable and fair rules are far from being observed by all participants in this business: "As inspections by the Committee of State Control show, there are quite a few unscrupulous dealers." Budget losses amount to tens of millions of rubles, while honest carriers are forced to close their businesses and lay off people.
For example, over 9 months of 2023, slightly more than 10,000 vehicles were inspected. About 9,000 violations were detected. The most terrible thing is that illegal operators deliberately evade the safety requirements imposed on regular carriers. And such an attitude towards work sooner or later can lead to a tragedy similar to the one in the Smolevichi district, where about fifteen people died.
As for financial violations, the Government has been instructed to consider the issue of toughening penalties for the actual offenses, as the President described them: "If you split your business, you are responsible. If you don't pay taxes... Listen, who will reproach us: in America, you can get a life sentence for tax evasion - a democratic country," he remarked.
About the draft decree on passenger road transport
The Government, with the participation of the State Control Committee and the KGB, has prepared a draft decree regulating relations in the field of passenger road transport. Possible innovations in this area were the subject of discussion at a meeting with the President.
It is proposed to organize a register of legal carriers, dispatchers, and other participants in the process. "That is, if you are allowed to transport people by taxi and by fixed-route taxi, you are in the register – go ahead and transport. Rules will also be established. If you are not there and, God forbid, you are engaged in these transportation activities – go to Kubrakov and Tertel (this refers to bringing to justice by authorized law enforcement agencies. - BELTA's note). This must be stopped in the harshest way so that they understand. But I repeat: do not give them a reason to say that "we have crushed them, we are poisoning someone," and so on. All who can, who are allowed to engage in this transportation, work, everyone is on equal terms," the Belarusian leader explained.
Separate requirements are provided for internet aggregators. "It is obvious that everyone who wants to work in Belarus must place their information systems on our territory. No Polish, German, Dutch companies. These are immutable requirements of the state as a guarantor of security, protection of personal data, and prevention of illegal actions," said Alexander Lukashenko.
As a result, the main points of the decree were agreed upon at the meeting. The President instructed to weigh everything once more, to gather at the Government level with all involved state bodies, and to submit the final draft of the document for signature.
After the decree is signed, in the first quarter of next year, it will be necessary to refine individual norms at the government level – to carry out the necessary procedures and adopt resolutions in development of the approved norms. It is expected that the decree should come into force in the second half of 2024, said Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak.
The meeting also discussed the issue of complaints and appeals from the public regarding passenger transportation. The head of state instructed the governors to find answers to all these questions, developing new schemes if necessary, and possibly increasing the number of transport vehicles on routes.
Anatoliy Sivak specifically noted that there is no antagonism between state and private carriers, as is sometimes attempted to be portrayed. Both private carriers operating according to established rules and others suffer equally from unscrupulous market players.
SIVAK: KEY PROVISIONS OF THE DECREE ON PASSENGER ROAD TRANSPORTATION HAVE BEEN AGREED UPON
The draft decree concerns the creation of a registry of passenger road transportations in irregular services (for regular carriers, the licensing procedure remains as it was). It is planned to include data on carriers, drivers, dispatchers, and vehicles. Currently, for example, there are cases where irregular carriers formally operate regular routes under the guise of servicing weddings or corporate events. And some try to operate completely illegally.
With the adoption of the decree, penalties for such violations will become even stricter. And including the vehicles used in the registry will allow, for example, to track cases where a transport company, upon detection of certain violations, can simply re-register and continue operating in violation of the law under a different name.
And if a taxi service is ordered through a particular company using internet applications, only a carrier included in the registry can be connected to the system. In addition, there will be a requirement for such services to establish a legal entity in Belarus.
It is expected that an obligation will also be imposed on entities to provide state bodies with access to information on completed orders.
In order to increase the level of security for carriers, it is planned to establish an obligation for video recording of passenger transportation execution.
THE DAIRYMEN'S CASE. What criminal schemes the President revealed
At the beginning of the meeting on road transport, Alexander Lukashenko departed from the main topic of conversation to publicly talk about the exposure of criminal schemes in the dairy industry. "Due to the fact that people have been coming to me with certain issues, I would like to publicly voice the problem. Since the investigation in this case is ongoing, I cannot disclose many facts. But those who are trying to reach me will hear and understand what I mean," the President noted.
The head of state spoke about the scheme uncovered by law enforcement officers using the example of the Mogilev enterprise "Babushkina Krynka". Several years ago, a new manager was appointed there. He formed his "team" from among his close acquaintances and relatives and began a "new sales policy".
"In September 2019, Mr. Skitov was appointed Director. He formed his team of managers (many like to talk about it: "Team... we are here...". I have always warned you against this: no teams, there should be a management structure and so on), a new sales policy, completely centralized financial flows - he noted. - He appointed a driver as a manager. And relatives - a cousin, a brother, and a son (how could it be without them?)".
"As a result of operational-search activities, 8 commercial groups have been put under scrutiny. They established control over the export of products from a number of domestic dairy processing enterprises to Russia on terms favorable to them. Now they will start howling and screaming: there was the 'doctors' case', there was someone else's case, now it's the 'dairy farmers' case'. I am specifically saying this in front of the governors because it is characteristic of you. I just took 'Babushkina krynka' as an example. But you will all be held accountable. And you will be held strictly accountable," the President warned.
A distinctive feature of the activities of the owners of Belarusian firms was the presence of controlled business entities in Russia, which allowed them to sell products with minimal markups and then sell the goods to the end consumer at a higher price, thereby understating the tax base. The information obtained showed that the implementation of the scheme could not have been carried out without the involvement of officials from enterprises and government bodies. "Roman Alexandrovich (Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. - BELTA note), you will also be held accountable if your people are involved. Government members are also implicated. I am not naming names while the investigation is ongoing," Alexander Lukashenko remarked.
Through bribery, individual businessmen obtained the right to priority distribution of dairy products (butter, cheese, other dairy products) in their favor, with the opportunity to purchase them at a price below the established benchmark.
The Head of State emphasized that such a criminal scheme became possible because the Government has not developed a system for product sales, and this is a matter of state importance.
"I instructed the Chairman of the Committee (KGB. - BELTA note) to list everyone, all their property. And there is a lot of property. Everything must be confiscated for the benefit of the state. We see the damage. All property must belong to the state. They have become extremely brazen," Alexander Lukashenko said indignantly.
Later, the KGB reported that 26 people are involved in a number of criminal cases, 15 of whom are in custody. Criminal income from unjustified intermediary activities of all participants in illegal activities in the dairy industry, taking into account the price difference between Belarus and Russia, amounted to at least $10 million per year.
Alexander Lukashenko returned to the topic of combating theft and corruption on Friday, November 17, during a working trip to Gomel. Communicating with employees of the Kristall jewelry enterprise, the head of state said: "We will squeeze them. Next year, the Year of Quality, we will force everyone to work with quality. Those who want to and those who don't. And as for those who are thieves, swindlers, crooks - it will be like with the milkmen. No one will stand on ceremony with anyone. And we will publicly name their names and their 'creations'. I mean corrupt officials."
"Although I am often told: 'Alexander Grigoryevich, may God grant that every country be like this (low level of corruption, like in Belarus. - Ed. BELTA). But I don't want such phenomena as corruption and theft to exist in the country at all. - Ed. BELTA). Stealing, selling other people's property for bribes and putting it in your pocket is unacceptable. From trade to these swindlers," the Belarusian leader added.
BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT. What document significant for Belarusian-Chinese relations has been approved by Lukashenko
On November 16, the head of state signed Decree No. 356, which approved the draft agreement between the government of the Republic of Belarus and the government of the People's Republic of China on trade in services and investment as a basis for negotiations.
LUKASHENKO APPROVED THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON TRADE IN SERVICES AND INVESTMENT
This establishes a legal framework for the sustainable and dynamic development of trade and investment relations between the two countries. It concerns the creation of a free trade area for services between Belarus and the PRC, a transparent, liberal, and favorable investment regime for attracting investment.
The agreement creates a basis for developing cooperation in new areas while observing (protecting) the interests of both parties in the most sensitive segments of their economies.
The Ministry of Economy is authorized to conduct negotiations and sign the agreement upon reaching an agreement within the scope of the approved draft.
It is expected that in the future, cooperation within the framework of the agreement will allow for a dynamic increase in the export of Belarusian services to China and an increase in investment flows from China.
PRESIDENT'S INSTRUCTION. How Belarusian citizens and their family members were rescued from the Gaza Strip
On the night of November 16-17, a plane with Belarusians rescued from the Gaza Strip and their family members safely landed at the capital's airport. For more than a month, they were in conditions of a humanitarian catastrophe – without water and electricity. The state did not remain indifferent to its citizens who became victims of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that erupted in early October. The President instructed to evacuate them along with their families (and there are children among them) and transport them to Belarus.
The Belarusian side, in contact with colleagues from Israel and Egypt, with the assistance of Russia and Qatar, organized the departure of Belarusian citizens and their family members from the Gaza Strip. The people passed through the "Rafah" border crossing into Egypt.
At the border with the Gaza Strip, Belarusian citizens and their family members were met by KGB officers who were carrying out the President of Belarus's order to evacuate refugees.
"As our head of state said, the most valuable thing is bread, and the most precious thing is people," one of the officers told the evacuees.
"Hang in there! This nightmare is already behind you!" they encouraged the Belarusians and their families. "All other trifles are unimportant. Everything is solvable. All issues will be addressed as they arise."
A few hours later, a "Belavia" flight departed to pick them up. On board the plane were medics and psychologists from the Republican Special Purpose Unit of the Ministry of Emergency Situations "Zubr," who provided assistance to both adults and children. The Belarusians and their families settled on board and left Egypt.
All those who arrived in Belarus were hospitably welcomed, accommodation was arranged for them in various regions, and other necessary assistance and support are being provided.
One of the participants in the mission to rescue Belarusians and their families from Gaza, an employee of the State Security Committee, told reporters the details of the mission's organization and execution: "The head of state instructed to organize the evacuation of Belarusians and their families from the Gaza Strip. We gathered all the necessary information about the Belarusians and their relatives who were in Gaza and wished to be evacuated. Based on this information, we compiled a list that included not only Belarusian citizens but also their family members who did not have Belarusian citizenship. We were tasked with getting them all out of there - with children and even grandchildren."
"WE WERE PROMISED WE WOULD TAKE THEM." NEW DETAILS OF THE MISSION TO RESCUE BELARUSIANS FROM GAZA
The mission participants prepared for various scenarios. A special KGB group worked in conjunction with relevant state bodies and in contact with Russian colleagues. The plan was to transport citizens to Cairo and then fly them to Belarus.
THE SOLDIERS ARE GREAT GUYS! Why Lukashenko visited an armament base in Gomel
On November 17, the President made a working trip to Gomel, where he familiarized himself with the work of the 1868th Artillery Armament Base.
Various types of armaments and military equipment are stored and repaired on the territory of the military facility. The head of state was briefed on the purpose of the artillery base and its structure.
Head of the base Yevgeny Maslyukov said that the armament base was formed in 1941 and went through the roads of World War II. Since 1945, it has been stationed in Gomel. The territory houses a small arms storage area, workshops for repairing armaments and equipment, and open storage sites for armaments. "The base is designed for the repair and maintenance of missile and artillery armaments, the storage of their reserves, and the provision of the Armed Forces and territorial troops," he reported.
Alexander Lukashenko inquired whether all small arms had been repaired, were properly stored, and were combat-ready.
"Exactly," replied Yevgeny Maslyukov.
As reported to the President by the Minister of Defense Viktor Khrenin, all small arms stored in the warehouses of the Armed Forces have been properly inventoried and are in perfect order.
The Head of State personally familiarized himself with the storage conditions. "This is a big deal. Well done! This is how it should be," he assessed what he saw. "If you have done this, you are simply great for having handled it in a businesslike manner."
LUKASHENKO: TODAY I MADE SURE THAT OUR MILITARY ARE GREAT
Among other weapons, Alexander Lukashenko was shown an assault rifle. He inquired whether it was new or had already been used and refurbished. The head of the base replied that in this case, it is difficult to judge solely by external appearance, as used assault rifles are brought to a like-new condition at the base, and it is impossible to distinguish them visually.
Then, the Head of State inspected the artillery armament repair workshop. Here, for example, they refurbish the "Gvozdika" and "Akatsiya" self-propelled howitzers, the "Giatsint" gun, and the "Vasilek" automatic mortar.
"We need to engage in rock-solid import substitution. It is too expensive to purchase these items. Put pressure on industry!" Alexander Lukashenko noted.
Next on the presidential route were workshops engaged in the repair of military optics and small arms.
Following his visit to the artillery base, Alexander Lukashenko praised the military for maintaining their armament and military equipment. "They have a good facility. Sensible. This is no longer the future, but the present. This is the path we have taken, improving, modernizing, and preserving our weapons. Today, I am convinced that our military personnel are doing a great job. We pay a lot of attention to ensuring that our military personnel are fed, clothed, rested, and trained in good barracks. As a military man, I will say that it is nothing if there are no weapons and ammunition," said the head of state.
He noted that earlier the task was set to revise the stored armament, to overhaul and put in order everything that remained from Soviet times. "The military personnel are doing a great job. They have mostly put everything in order within 5 years," the President stated.
At the end of his visit to the artillery armament base in Gomel, Alexander Lukashenko was presented with a grenade launcher "to replenish his personal arsenal." It is an RPG-7 complete with a PGO-7V optical sight.
LUKASHENKO PRESENTED WITH A GRENADE LAUNCHER IN GOMEL
A LOT TO BE DONE. Lukashenko's dissatisfaction with the work of farmers in the east of the country
Despite the fact that the head of state's helicopter landed at a military base upon arrival in Gomel, Alexander Lukashenko began his working trip with assignments related to agriculture. Moreover, from the helicopter, he observed obvious shortcomings in places.
The discussion was about completing the corn harvest. The head of state emphasized that with the current weather, it is not advisable to "go into the fields" with machinery, as there is a high risk of damaging it. "As soon as it dries, we need to finish the corn harvest reasonably," he said.
"A MOUNTAIN OF WORK AHEAD". LUKASHENKO STARTS WITH AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTIONS UPON ARRIVAL IN GOMEL
Another task is plowing the land. These works are not completed everywhere.
A more global and long-term task is the continuation of land reclamation work, which is very relevant for the Gomel region.
"Your task is to think over the winter about what needs to be done starting in the spring. You haven't plowed vast areas. Just like in the Mogilev region. I think so in the Vitebsk region too. I specifically flew over the east yesterday and today. Compared to the west - Grodno region, Brest region, and even Minsk in some places - there is a mountain of work ahead. We need to put the lands in order, restore livestock farming - and move forward," the President instructed the head of the region, Ivan Krupko.
Alexander Lukashenko made a number of specific remarks based on what he saw from the helicopter. For example, near Chechersk, the President drew attention to the improper storage of feed nearby. "Everything is flooded with water. And he is going to feed the cattle with this now?" the head of state outlined the problematic issue.
The President also emphasized the importance of ensuring the preservation of modern expensive agricultural machinery. And here the issue is partly the availability of qualified personnel. "This machinery requires trained personnel. It's like an 'airplane'," he noted.
GIRLS' BEST FRIENDS. How jewelry is developing in Belarus, and what is the most beautiful in the world
The next point on Alexander Lukashenko's working trip route was the Gomel Production Association "Kristall" - the management company of the "KRISTALL-HOLDING" holding.
Ruslan Sorokovoy, General Director of the enterprise, reported to the Head of State on the results of the diamond processing production modernization and the measures being taken to increase the plant's efficiency. Gomel "Kristall" was established in 1972 as one of 7 plants of the same name in the Soviet Union. Today, only two enterprises continue their activities - in Gomel and Smolensk.
"In 1993, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the issue of production loading arose. The fact that diamond processing is still selectively present somewhere outside of India today (today more than 90% of all diamond processing is India), including in Belarus, is exclusively due to the fact that decisions were made at your level. By preserving diamond processing, we created jewelry production for the first time in the republic at our own expense, which allows us to produce more profitable products. Today, diamond processing accounts for 20% of our business, and jewelry production accounts for 80%," said Ruslan Sorokovoy.
All target indicators for both the enterprise and the holding company are being met, the General Director stated. According to him, the plant mainly purchases raw materials from Russia, but is now also starting to cooperate with Zimbabwe.
"In this regard, we will help and push you. They are meeting us halfway. We should not put all our eggs in one basket," said Alexander Lukashenko.
A new direction for "Kristall" is the production of gold investment bars for the Ministry of Finance. Subsequently, the department sells them to economic entities, banks, and other credit and financial organizations of Belarus. This is a significant contribution to import substitution, as previously bars were supplied to Belarus from Western European countries.
The President demanded that these issues be taken under special control to completely replace the import of these products. "Can we do everything for the National Bank? Then, from next year, and even this year, we should not import anything from Switzerland," he emphasized.
At the enterprise, Alexander Lukashenko familiarized himself in detail with the stages of jewelry production and diamond processing.
LUKASHENKO: BELARUS' DIAMOND PROCESSING AND JEWELRY PRODUCTION MUST SURPASS WORLD LEVEL
During his visit to the jewelry factory, the President also communicated with the enterprise's employees. "I've been planning to visit you for a long time. Not because you make such beauty - there's probably nothing more beautiful made artificially in the world. The most beautiful thing, in my opinion, in the world is a woman. And women are adorned (I don't think so, but women themselves think so) with diamonds, gold, and so on. I'm indifferent to these things. I've never owned them. For me, it's like raw material and finished product. But I'm always glad if our women look more beautiful with these items," Alexander Lukashenko noted during his conversation with the work collective.
According to the President, at one time many people approached him with proposals to privatize the enterprise. But it was decided that it would remain state-owned. "I categorically said no. This is a state enterprise, and it will remain so. At least, as long as I am President. Our people have learned to create beauty - this is not for sale. For me, losing not diamonds and gold, but the school, the people who know how to do this, would be a catastrophe. These are competencies of the highest level," the head of state stated.
"We have not just preserved and restored your enterprise. We will develop it. We will invest in you, put money into it. We will buy the most modern equipment. And such a wild thought occurred to me: we will not just reach the world level of production of your products - we must surpass this level. We can do it," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "We will invest funds and invest in you. But, naturally, we will also demand that you produce products above the world level."
"Kristall-HOLDING" also includes "Belyuvelirtorg" stores, of which there are more than 70 across the country. The President believes that the network needs to be expanded.
"Currently, you own a good share of the domestic market and produce for foreign markets. The immediate task for the minister and the head of the enterprise is to do everything yourselves. But do it in such a way that you don't ban competitors' supplies, but rather make it impossible for them to compete with you. We will do everything for this. This is not because there is a shortage of jewelry. There is enough. It's just that if you disappear, jewelry and other items in Belarus will cost three times more. I would not want that," the President noted. "But we cannot lose people, highly qualified, talented individuals, the school. This is our enterprise. It will always be ours. No President will risk getting rid of such an enterprise."
LUKASHENKO WAS PRESENTED WITH A MAP OF BELARUS MADE OF SILVER, GOLD, AND DIAMONDS
WE ENDURED. Why Lukashenko banned even discussing sanctions in the Government
Talking with the work collective, Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus has endured under sanctions pressure.
LUKASHENKO ON SANCTIONS: WE ENDURED, WE HAVE PLACES TO SELL OUR PRODUCTS
The head of state is confident that if there is a seller and a buyer, no sanctions will interfere: "Sanctions are sanctions, but business is business."
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that he banned even discussing sanctions in the Government. "It makes people complacent, and then everything can be blamed on sanctions. It would relax the country," he said. "Yes, it's not easy, it's tough. But we endured. We have places to sell our products. That's the most important thing."
The President also recalled the task of import substitution – to produce our own, and this will be given increased attention in the Year of Quality (2024).
Special attention in Belarus is paid to developing new markets. For example, cooperation with the countries of the African continent. Good relations have been established with Zimbabwe, and a return visit of the head of state is expected to Equatorial Guinea.
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the great prospects for developing cooperation with these countries and the region as a whole. This is important, among other things, for the work of enterprises such as the Kristall Production Association. The African continent has large deposits of precious metals and diamonds. But cooperation is also underway, for example, in agriculture. Thanks to Belarusian equipment, a good harvest has been obtained in Zimbabwe. "Today they have received a record grain harvest, and for the first time in history, thanks to our equipment and assistance, they have fed their people with bread. A very rich country. Naturally, we are working with them on favorable terms. They like that we did not come to them as colonizers," the President noted.
URGENT ISSUE. What the toughest tasks Lukashenko intends to set for Belkoopsoyuz
At the Kristall enterprise, the head of state was asked how the situation in the countryside could be improved: in remote areas, and often in agro-towns, the range of products is significantly inferior to that of the capital and even district centers, and consumer cooperatives are gradually losing ground to private entrepreneurs who are only concerned with their own profit.
LUKASHENKO: WE WILL TAKE ON BELKOOPSOYUZ VERY SERIOUSLY IN THE NEAR FUTURE
"As a person from the village (we are all from the village, some in the second, some in the third generation), I care about the village, which is why we preserved it. But imagine: 10-20 people, and you need to deliver goods there. And this involves expenses and expenses, it's not cheap. And salaries for people, and fuel, and buying cars. We helped everyone (consumer cooperatives. - Editor's note BELTA): I provided loans for the purchase of equipment and so on, and so on. But I see that strict military discipline needs to be introduced there, as was done in Brest and Grodno. At the beginning of next year, we will convene Belkoopsoyuz (there will be a new head, the old one was fired) - the most stringent tasks will be set," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
According to the President, consumer cooperation will definitely reach at least agro-towns and large villages.
The activities of private trade in rural areas will also be under the control of the authorities. Entrepreneurs are not forbidden to open their own stores in villages and agro-towns, but there is one condition, the head of state noted: they will not profit from people.
"Due to the large network and sensible approaches, they do not keep high prices. On the contrary, Belkoopsoyuz loses to them and is forced to cover its sometimes exorbitant expenses with prices. Therefore, in the near future, we will tackle Belkoopsoyuz, and we will tackle it very seriously. They can work, let them work. If not, we will liquidate it and decide on each store, who will work where, and how they will sell. But we will not allow profiteering at the expense of those who live in dying villages. This is a very serious issue that we will return to in January," said Alexander Lukashenko.
MARK OF QUALITY. Which Soviet tradition of revival did the President support
One of the employees of the Kristall production association put forward the idea of establishing a single state mark of quality in Belarus, similar to the one that existed during the Soviet Union. This way, buyers will be able to be completely sure that they are acquiring a quality product, and it is guaranteed by the state.
Alexander Lukashenko supported the idea. "We will declare the coming year the Year of Quality. I have already spoken about this. We produce a lot. And the products are of good quality, not bad. But we need to do better. In order to compete. Because we have an open economy. We need to raise the quality higher to compete," he said.
LUKASHENKO SUPPORTED THE IDEA OF ESTABLISHING A UNIFIED STATE QUALITY MARK IN BELARUS
The President stated that not only Germany, for example, is a world leader in quality, but China is also making giant strides in this direction. Belarus, for example, is currently working with China on organizing its own car production in the country, and Alexander Lukashenko intends to continue discussing this issue at his next meeting with the Chairman of the PRC. "They gave us samples of these cars. An electric car and a regular gasoline car. 'Cosmos' - the drivers report. That is, everyone strives for high quality," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The Head of State proposed to take the Soviet quality mark as the basis for the modern Belarusian one, which he likes in appearance. He gave the relevant instructions to the Government.
The State Quality Mark of the USSR was used to mark mass-produced civilian products that met high quality standards (consumer goods and industrial products) manufactured by enterprises of the Union. The five facets of this mark were associated with a five-pointed star, as well as the components of quality: reliability, affordability, safety, aesthetics, and innovation.
EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON PEOPLE. What Lukashenko sees as the recipe for a good life for the country and its citizens
Concluding his communication with the enterprise workers in Gomel, the President emphasized that if everyone at their workplace makes even a small improvement, then the country as a whole and the people in Belarus will live well. "As for the future, you know, I have no other concern than for you to live well. And if each of you adds even a little, a millimeter, we will live normally. If two millimeters, we will be rich. Everything depends only on our people. We have everything," said the Belarusian leader.
LUKASHENKO TO THE PEOPLE OF GOMEL: I HAVE NO OTHER CONCERN THAN FOR YOU TO LIVE WELL
Alexander Lukashenko recalled his call that it is better to work hard in the field than to fight on the front. "I am a peaceful person, and I will do everything to prevent war. This is very relevant for you. You know that this war is happening just beyond the fence. And it takes considerable effort for me to prevent it from crossing the border and reaching here," the President stated.
In this regard, the head of state expressed criticism, noting that from the east of the country, he saw many shortcomings and neglected areas in the fields from a helicopter. "There is so much work left to do on the ground, such disorder and negligence! We still have a large volume of work," he remarked.
The President gave an example that last year the country earned $8 billion from food. "This is a huge amount of money. Countries like ours do not earn that much from oil. But we can be richer if we are responsible," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The south of the country and the Gomel region were, at one time, saved from Chernobyl with the President's help. "You are doing well. I cannot say that you are working poorly, although there is room for improvement. But we still have many problems that need to be addressed. It is unacceptable that the Gomel region was the leader in cattle mortality last year," noted the Belarusian leader.
"We will never go to war if we have a normal economy. In Ukraine, it started with them tearing apart a very rich country - they privatized it, cut it into pieces," the President noted. - "We must be honest, we must work. You will not have another country, nor will our children. Some have fled from the Gomel region abroad – they are asking to come home. Please, here is the commission, go and prove: you did not kill, you did not steal, you did not walk on the streets, you did not break anything, you did not smash anything – we will take you back. There were misguided people, different ones. But excuse me, if you intimidated our people and are still doing it – it is better for you to stay there, do not come here."
After visiting the Kristall production association, Alexander Lukashenko was presented with a memorable gift – a map of Belarus made using gilded silver and real diamonds. Diamonds of various sizes on the map mark Minsk, regional and district centers. Another gift for the Head of State is a pen made of bog oak, which is approximately 4050 years old. The oak was fished out of the Sozh River near the village of Karpovka, Loevsky district.
The Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee, Ivan Krupko, presented the Head of State with a loaf of bread from the Gomel region. But Alexander Lukashenko immediately re-gifted it to the staff of the Kristall production association, advising them to have it with tea.
Source: belta.by