Opinions & Interviews

GOMEL, 21 December (BelTA) – Belarusian agribusiness companies have laid a solid groundwork for successful development in 2018, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Zayats said when talking to employees of the Gomelkhlebprom bakery on 21 December, BelTA informs.

Agribusiness companies maintained a positive momentum in 2017. In January-November 2017, the gross agricultural output went up by 4.1% in all categories of agricultural enterprises; the gross output of state-owned agricultural companies went up by 5.3%. Domestic processing companies are supplied with raw material and the domestic food market with high-quality products. The surpluses are to be exported. Foreign currency revenue exceeded $4.63 billion in January-October 2017, up $618 million from the same period of 2016. “We have laid a good groundwork for the development of agribusiness in 2018 and fulfillment of ambitious goals,” the minister underlined.

One of the main goals for 2018 is to increase the sales volume to $5.3 billion. The growth can be ensured by means of enhancing the competitiveness of products and bringing down their costs and raising quality.

Leonid Zayats also answered the questions of Gomelkhlebprom employees. They asked the minister about the measures to attract and retain young specialists, agriculture-oriented R&D of Belarusian scientists, and ecology.

Meetings of employees with representatives of authorities are an effective measure to ensure the citizen-to-government feedback. They help exchange opinions, explain to citizens their rights and duties, the government policy, and the decisions of local authorities. Such meetings also turn a spotlight on the problems of a city and employees. The officials, in turn, study all recommendations and remarks and adopt specific measures.