Events

27 Dec 2023

Golovchenko presents state awards for professional distinction

MINSK, 27 December (BelTA) – Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has presented state awards to people from various professional backgrounds, BelTA has learned.

“You can feel a special festive atmosphere in this hall. The beautiful New Year tree reminds us that much-loved New Year celebrations are just around the corner. Yet, this is not the main reason why we are here today. We have gathered to present state awards - on behalf of Belarusian President Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko - to people who deserve to have their names heard by the entire country,” said Roman Golovchenko.

According to him, the attendees are people from all walks of life who have come from various parts of Belarus. “These are people who have demonstrated exceptional hard work and responsibility. This is what they have in common. Hard work is at the core of the development of any society. And ours, of course, is no exception,” the prime minister noted.

“The outgoing year has not been easy. It couldn’t have been any other way: you all see the turbulent processes unfolding both along the border of our state and in the world as a whole. But we have passed this test with dignity. Our economic growth is above the world’s average. By the end of the year the GDP growth is expected to be 3.8%. These are good results considering the economic pressure put on us, and this is in line with the task set by the head of state for 2023,” he said.

The head of government noted that investment activity is gaining momentum. “These are financial investments in new facilities, production, technologies. In January-November 2023, the investments in fixed capital rose by 14% year-on-year. Foreign trade remains balanced. The trade surplus is about $700 million. This is the margin between how much we sell and how much we import,” Roman Golovchenko remarked. According to him, the living standards of people improved, and the nominal gross average monthly wage is on the rise.

“We thank people working in the petrochemical industry, there are many of them in this hall. This year has been challenging for the industry. A multi-year upgrade program for two oil refineries has been completed, which has allowed significantly deepening oil refining and increasing the production of light oil products. The tasks facing the Belneftekhim concern in the near future are just as ambitious: to carry out a profound modernization of Grodno Azot, to launch new production facilities at Mogilevkhimvolokno and other enterprises,” the prime minister added.

Roman Golovchenko also addressed the forest industry workers present in the hall. “A year and a half has passed since the industry faced unprecedented sanctions from Western countries, but thanks to prompt and effective decisions on the ground, it was possible not only to retain workforce and keep enterprises afloat, but also to fulfill all socio-economic development targets set for the industry,” he emphasized.

“The achievements of the manufacturing industry are just as remarkable. Representatives of major Belarusian enterprises are among the attendees. Enterprises affiliated with the Industry Ministry performed very well last year and this year, too. The industrial output growth is expected to be 12.1% this year. The task is to maintain momentum next year,” the prime minister remarked.

Tax administration employees were among the awardees. “About 70% of all budget revenues are generated by payments overseen by tax authorities. This money is used to pay wages, pension benefits, etc, and to fund the country’s most important projects in various fields,” he added.

Some of the awardees received the Medal of Francysk Skaryna. “These are cultural figures, scientists and educators who have made a personal contribution to the strengthening of the intellectual potential and preserving of the cultural heritage of the Belarusian people. You are at the forefront of the fight for hearts and souls, especially of our young people, and you play a great role in educating strong individuals with high moral standards and a strong moral identity,” Roman Golovchenko emphasized.

More than 50 people received state awards on 27 December.