News & Events in Belarus

ORSHA DISTRICT, 11 July (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered to improve operational efficiency of Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant as he inspected the company on 11 July, BelTA has learned.

“The company’s owners are gone [shareholders Motor Sich (Ukraine) and Investment and Innovation Systems (Belarus)]. You are the owners now [government agencies]. All the former owners of the company chose to withdraw. Therefore, go ahead. This is a state-run company from now on,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko was informed that the company had already been prepared to get incorporated into the public sector. The president reproved the Ministry of Transport and Communications for letting things slide in the past. He emphasized that this inaction could not be justified by the fact that the government had no stake in the company. “The company employs my people, your people – Belarusian people. What difference does it make who owns the shares? It is our task to make sure that people get a decent salary,” the Belarusian leader said addressing minister Anatoly Sivak.

The president ordered to bring the company under the umbrella of the ministry by the end of July. “The plant should be up and running whatever the cost. It should not just be there, it should grow. I want to see the architectural design and study the business plan to expand the airport and other matters. Get down to work and make up your mind. God forbid I come here again and see the same situation,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

He deems it necessary to flesh out short-term development plans and also outline the company’s long-term prospects keeping in mind that a company like that will be in demand for many years to come. “Helicopter production and upgrade, restoration and repair will always be in demand, because there is a plenty of helicopters in the world. You will always have your fair share of work,” the head of state noted.

Alexander Lukashenko believes that if traditional partners fail to supply the necessary component parts, the company should forge new partnerships and start its own production of components. “Do not ever think that there is nothing we can do about it. We need to hold on to this business because there are enough helicopters for repair and upgrade. Thousands of people [the company’s employees], expertise and knowledge – the company has everything in place to operate successfully,” Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.

The head of state noted that the state might lend a helping hand to the company. “We might provide certain assistance for a certain period of time, however, the bulk of the work should be done here,” he said.

The president paid attention to the average salary of the employees that is still significantly below the Br1,000 target.

The head of state was briefed on the financial standing and economic performance of the company, its borrowings, effective and potential contracts, and plans to explore other lines of business. Apart from that, Alexander Lukashenko urged to bring order to the company’s premises.

The president also inspected the Bolbasovo settlement where the plant is located. Alexander Lukashenko ordered to complete its general improvement and landscaping by 7 November and to focus on the job creation and social infrastructure development. “Why do I care so much about Baran and Bolbasovo [settlements in Orsha District]? Because it is a great place to live. Why not live here? People will stay here if they have jobs. We need to give them jobs. However, our negligence can prevent us from keeping people busy,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The president wanted a development plan for Bolbasovo similar to that of Kopys. The head of state was informed that this work is already in progress; the development and landscaping plan for Bolbasovo has already been elaborated.