Press releases

The head of state got familiar with several samples of the Belarusian ratracks made by Minsk Tractor Works: МСУ-2022, МСУ-622 and МСУ-108, the ice resurfacer Belarus МЛ-428 and snow machine СО-325 designed by Misom OP.

The president was briefed on the specifications of the machines, their distinctive features in comparison with import analogues. For the time being the level of localization of ratracks ranges from 32% to 59%. Once the series production is launched it will increase to 75-100% depending on the model.

“The main thing is that they are Belarusian-made. MTZ may be not the only manufacturer. By next winter we should have a 100% Belarusian ratrack. This is not a problem. The most difficult things are a power source, cabin, control system. The rest is simple. As from 2019 the equipment for biathletes and skiers needs to be of domestic manufacture,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The head of state expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficient localization of the Belarusian snow machine. Domestically-made parts make up only 50%.

Alexander Lukashenko was shown ski boots made by the Marko footwear company, Belarusian skis and roller skis, ski binding, ski poles and wax.

The head of state was also shown musical instruments made in Belarus: pianos, guitars, dulcimers, balalaikas, and accordions. He was demonstrated the first hand-made Belarusian violin made by Dean of the Department of Traditional Belarusian Culture and Modern Arts of the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts Alexander Surba. The master used maple, fir and redwood to make the instrument.

The head of state had commissioned to start the production of snow machines, roller skis, ski boots and other sports equipment in Belarus. The president spoke about it at the meeting with the Olympic and Paralympic champions at the end of March. "We should be able to produce everything. If we cannot do it right away, we will buy it. But we need to produce all these things in Belarus," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The resumption of the production of musical instruments in Belarus was also discussed in March during the meeting of the head of state with gifted young people. "I have noticed that you have the musical instruments, at least those who demonstrated their art. Others do not have them. The deputy prime minister promised that we will launch the production of musical instruments in Belarus in the near future. The task is to repair everything old and restore the production of musical instruments, especially pianos we once had, at a higher level," the President said.