Business news

Lukashenko announces possible changes to Belarusian alcohol industry

MINSK, 26 December (BelTA) – The structure of management in the production of alcoholic beverages in Belarus may be altered, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he approved the appointment of new heads of the Belarusian state food industry concern Belgospishcheprom and the Minsk Kristall distillery on 26 December, BelTA has learned.

“How well do you know the sector?” the head of state asked Anatoly Buben, the new head of Belgospishcheprom.

According to Anatoly Buben, he has been in the system since 1999. He started his career at the Grodno Distillery. “I know the senior management. I am well aware of the structure. I worked with four chairpersons of the concern. I will be happy to be back to this sector,” he said.

Former Chairman of Belgospishcheprom Aleksandr Zabello was dismissed from the post over corruption cases in the Minsk Kristall Group. The head of state described him as a good specialist, but stressed that such work was unacceptable. First Deputy Chairman of the concern Igor Shustov has been appointed Director General of Minsk Kristall.

“There will be no forgiveness for corruption among public officials. This is a signal to our managers. If your subordinate is a swindler, I will immediately have questions to you,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. He promised the former head of Belgospishcheprom to find a well-preforming district where he would be given a chance to demonstrate his leadership skills. “Of course, we cannot lose him. However, no minister or manager will be forgiven for their subordinates’ wrongdoing, especially if it is corruption,” the head of state said.

The national alcohol industry is facing difficult times, Aleksandr Lukashenko said. The management structure in terms of production and sales may change, he added. “If we do this, we need to preserve the best things of our old system. The state cannot weaken control over the sector. Otherwise, people will be sold poor-quality vodka and start dying as we see this happen in some neighboring countries,” the president said.
 
He stressed that the country needs to keep control over the production of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, needs to control their sales. The state also needs to bear responsibility for the quality of the products.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks