Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 23 June (BelTA) – The development of the agricultural industry is of strategic importance for Belarus, Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusy told the STV channel when commenting on the results and solutions of the 5^th Belarusian People’s Congress, BelTA informs.

“All avenues of the country’s development are important today. However, taking into account the fact that agricultural enterprises account for 9% of Belarus’ GDP, and processing companies also account for 9% of the GDP, the development of these industries is of strategic importance,” the vice premier believes.

According to Mikhail Rusy, agricultural enterprises should export more than $7.5 billion worth of products, and the profitability of sales should make up 10% by 2020. “Everything is possible. The profitability of sales used to make up 9.6%. There is a good infrastructure basis, and necessary conditions have been created,” he noted.

The agricultural output and export have increased significantly in recent years. “Belarus does not have to fight for the harvest today. However, we need to compete for the external market with such world giants as Australia, the United States, and other countries,” the vice premier said. “We will not stand still and will continue modernizing our processing industry because the competition is very tough. Now it is important to reduce production and processing costs.”

According to Mikhail Rusy, it is needed not only to apply new technologies, forms of incorporation and approaches, personnel training is also important. “It is not enough to upgrade enterprises, it is also needed to train workers,” he said.

The deputy prime minister stressed that farms will be also developed in 2016-2020. “There are troubled farms in Belarus, no one conceals it. We are now waiting for the passing of three presidential decrees which will help improve the financial standing of these enterprises. These farms and local authorities will be able to choose such forms of management that will ensure their development,” Mikhail Rusy added.

“For example, three or four farmers will be able to operate a small farm. It will promote the development of the region and the enterprise, will enable the state to inject a fresh stimulus into the agricultural industry and get results,” the vice premier said.