Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Manufacturers could help struggling agricultural companies

MINSK, 11 June (BelTA) – Industrial enterprises could give a helping hand to poorly performing companies, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested as he announced his personnel decisions on 11 June, BelTA has learned.

“It is of paramount importance for us to support rural communities in this difficult time. We should not allow a decline in agricultural production,” the head of state emphasized. He added that the country will remain self-sufficient in food even if poorly performing companies are shut down. “We are ready to provide support and help. However, we need to see some action at the local level, too. We cannot lose the money we invest in these companies. Therefore, we should think carefully about consequences,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. 

About 20-25% of domestic companies do not have enough resources of their own to operate in the black. There are various reasons for that, both subjective and objective, the president noted. He is convinced that these struggling agricultural companies should get help. The head of state believes that industrial companies could take these companies in tow. “Some can provide human resources, others can help with machinery or repairs,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president told the attendees about proposals of Belarusian oil refineries. They lose up to $30 million while producing biodiesel for these agricultural companies. The head of state emphasized that this way they support rural communities, therefore it is yet impossible to abandon this practice. The oil refineries suggested reformatting the assistance they provide: instead of giving fuel to these companies, they could help with machinery repairs. “I agreed. It does not matter where these $20-30 million come from,” the president said. The head of state added that other companies that have the necessary facilities can follow suit. Aleksandr Lukashenko explained that assistance should be provided exclusively to struggling companies.

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