Press releases

MINSK, 25 April (BelTA) – Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov presented the state awards to the distinguished Belarusians in a ceremony in the Palace of Republic in Minsk on 25 April, BelTA has learned.

The awards were given to 112 people working in agriculture, forestry, science, tax service and mass media.

Andrei Kobyakov noted that the workers of the agricultural industry contribute a lot to the development of economy and added that Belarus is ranked in the first group of countries with a high level of food security. Enterprises maintain high export positions; Belarusian food products are supplied to more than 60 countries. In 2017, the Belarusian farm exports rose by 16%; the foreign currency proceeds from the sale of foodstuffs totaled more than $5 billion. “The goal is to make it $7 billion. We can achieve it by launching new types of products, improving the quality and branching out into new markets,” the prime minister said.

The forestry industry workers were also among the awards recipients. The prime minister noted that one of the most promising areas of the development of the forestry industry is the establishment of hybrid and selection centers. “During the Year of Native Land, the head of state urged to tidy up every piece of land. The forestry is no exception. There are a lot of useful things to be done for the sake of native land, with planting trees being one of them. This year, we need to plant forests on the area of 29,000 hectares,” Andrei Kobyakov added.

The achievements of road workers were also noted. The construction of high-quality roads connecting oblast centers with Minsk is nearing completion. The prime minister stressed that it is important to fulfill the task of the head of state and to repair about 7,000km of local roads by 2020.

Representatives of the industrial and energy complexes, tax officials were honored with prestigious awards as well. In his address to the nation and the parliament the head of state recalled the need to reach GDP of at least $100 billion by the end of the next five-year plan, Andrei Kobyakov pointed out. This can be achieved by means of enhancing the competitiveness of goods and services and expanding sales markets. As for the work of the tax service, the prime minister noted that nowadays the payments controlled by the tax service make up for more than 70% of revenues of the country’s consolidated budget while several years ago this figure was a little over 60%.

The prime minister also lauded the significant contribution of scientists to building the innovation economy, the economy of knowledge. “In order to enhance the profile of science Belarus has taken measures to support talented youth, has provided conditions for creativity,” Andrei Kobyakov stressed.

The president awarded the commendation letters from the president to representatives of mass media outlets for professional excellence.