MINSK, 3 October (BelTA) -If Belarusian industrialists get ahead of the competition, the country will be in excellent shape, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting dedicated to new appointments in Minsk on 3 October, BelTA has learned.
Director General of Minsk Motor Plant Alexander Rogozhnik has been appointed Industry Minister. This position became vacant after Piotr Parkhomchik has been promoted to the posy of deputy prime minister.
"Mr Parkhomchik, this is your area of responsibility. I have repeatedly said that we should not make mistakes, especially with the candidacy to the post of the industry minister," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
Piotr Parkhomchik noted that the candidacy was selected carefully. According to him, Aleksandr Rogozhnik has an extensive experience. During his time at the helm of Minsk Motor Plant the company was modernized, reached a high level of investment development. In addition, there is a good microclimate in the team.
"Over the past three years, the company has been working rhythmically, increasing production volumes. New types of products have been marketed and are now exported," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"You found a replacement for him?" the head of state said.
“We have found a decent replacement. It is a manager from another company. He has good working experience at the Belarusian Autoworks BelAz. He is young and promising,” Piotr Parkhomchik said.
Aleksandr Rogozhnik added that Minsk Motor Plant has its own development strategy. The enterprise has become the largest engine manufacturer in the former Soviet Union. This year the plant will produce more than 50,000 engines. “Today we make as many engines as three manufacturers in Russia. Most importantly is that we have provided for the entire basic lineup - everything that came under sanctions. We have not stopped the production of this lineup at the tractor plant, and Amkodor,” he said.
“Import substitution will be important for us not only for engines. We also have gearboxes - we used to import them. No matter how difficult it is, if we are ahead of competitors in our market now, first of all in the post-Soviet, Russian market, our country, as industrialists say, will be in excellent shape,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
Piotr Parkhomchik noted that the work of the Industry Ministry is systemic. “The issue of import substitution is the most pressing one today. We should direct our energy and efforts there,” he said.
“Aleksandr must understand that this facility is more complicated to run. If it is as you say, then you have made a revolution there. Because we had a lot of complaints about the motor plant,” the president added.
Deputy Industry Minister Andrei Buinevich will now be in charge of Integral. The head of state asked if there were any candidates for the vacated position.
The president was informed that Aleksandr Yefimov, Director General of Amkodor, is planned to be appointed Deputy Industry Minister.