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15.08.2016

Belarus President demands measures for effective development of Grodno Oblast

VOLKOVYSK (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko demanded measures for more effective social and economic development of Grodno Oblast. The Belarusian leader made the statement at a meeting held in Volkovysk on 13 August to discuss the social and economic development of Grodno Oblast, BelTA has learned.

The head of state noted that he started his working visit not from a tour of concrete companies, but from a thorough analysis of the social and economic development of Grodno Oblast and Volkovysk District. “I was, first of all, interested in the implementation of the plans that were outlined as A Matrix of Goals for the Vertical Power. This program was worked out last year. We agreed then that we would regularly monitor the process of implementation of the most important targets. I am concerned that such a strong region as Grodno Oblast failed to meet five out of eight key parameters in H1 2016,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“Economy performed weaker in general: the gross regional product growth made up 97.5% against the forecasted almost 101% in H1 2016. Labor productivity was also lower than the last year's figures. Grodno Oblast showed the poorest results among the Belarusian oblasts in FDI attraction. Among the serious faults is a drop in the amount of contract works (by 15%), commissioning of new housing (37% of the annual target), a fall in real wages, an increase in the number of loss-making companies and foreign debts, other issues,” the President noted.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he was ready for a serious discussion of the reasons behind the oblast' backward performance and failure to implement a set of instructions, and also emphasized the need to work out concrete measures to address the problems in the region.

The President added that he would also like to listen to the opinion of representatives of the controlling bodies and ministries on the performance of the local authorities and their cooperation with the nationwide structures. “The assessment and proposals should be worth consideration,” Alexander Lukashenko underlined.