Lukashenko orders to accelerate modernization

MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) – President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has ordered to speed up modernization in view of the toughening competition on the global market and accession of Belarus’ major partners to the World Trade Organization. The head of state made this statement at a press conference after visiting Minsk Bakery on 22 February, BelTA has learnt.

Journalists asked the President if Belarus has enough resources to implement large-scale upgrade projects. “If someone wants to destroy something, he will start criticizing what is normal and natural. If we fail to upgrade a company, this company will collapse. I have just actualized the things that should always be ongoing. Modernization should be a permanent process,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko explained that his instructions and demands were necessitated by some slowdown in individual industries. “Secondly and most importantly, we need to move faster even in the areas where we are proceeding as planned, because competition is getting tougher, which is partly attributed to the accession of our major partners to the WTO. This is why I want to speed up modernization,” the President said.

The head of state mentioned the agricultural industry where modernization projects have been mostly finished. Belarus has invested a lot of resources in it, but also got a solid return. The population will be provided with all the necessary foodstuffs.

Modernization plans in the manufacturing industry are implemented in a similar way. Some companies are already finishing their upgrade projects, while others were making little headway until the head of state interfered.

Alexander Lukashenko praised the technical upgrade at Minsk Bakery. He said that the entire industry is doing fine; it has already completed 70%-80% of the modernization program. The modernization allowed producing high quality products from local raw materials. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that Minsk Bakery should keep up with modernization efforts so that it will not lag behind in the future.

The head of state believes that modernization is the number one priority for the country’s socioeconomic development.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded about the need to retain state control over the companies producing essential goods, including bakery, meat and dairy products and clothing. “They will be owned by the state. If we decide to sell some shares for big money, the state should retail control over them, at least as long as I am President,” the head of state said.