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Lukashenko wants incentives for regional workforce
MINSK, 2 April (BelTA) – It is necessary to create the necessary conditions and to offer adequate incentives to attract and retain labor resources in regions and towns, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a government meeting to discuss the country’s regional development on 2 April, BelTA has learned.
The head of state noted that most of the jobs created in Belarus are low-paying jobs for people having low qualifications.
“One of the primary tasks for local authorities is to set up facilities for deep processing of raw materials and getting export-oriented and import-substituting products with a high added value. It is necessary to create the necessary conditions and incentives in regions and towns to attract labor resources,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko warned against attracting investment for the sake of accounts and records; investment should benefit the country. “Many investors coming to Belarus ask for complete exemption from taxes, social obligations, etc. The question is why do we need such companies? On top of that, they pay a very bad salary. Investors should come to the country and work under general conditions. Exemptions will be offered only to those who we need badly,” the president said.
The head of state pointed to the failure to meet the requirements related to the pay rise. “More than that, salaries are not even paid in time. This is the responsibility of the premier and the first vice-premier,” he noted.
In 2018, only 10 out of 128 districts and towns paid salaries that were above the country’s average. There are no such districts or towns in Mogilev Oblast. The situation did not change dramatically in January-February.
“You know that employment and timely payment of salaries are under my special control. I am not going to soften my stance on this matter, because people want to eat every day and they need to buy clothes for their kids to be able to send them to kindergartens and schools. I don’t think I have to tell you that,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
The construction industry has failed to secure rapid development of engineering and transport infrastructure and construction of social facilities. For example, kindergartens located in Borovlyany cannot accommodate all the children living in that area. Incidents of unauthorized construction are still reported, the head of state noted. He emphasized that local authorities took their eye off the ball and do not take the necessary action. “You are the ones to choose your own path,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
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