Opinions & Interviews

According to Vladimir Semashko, the government is currently busy drafting the country’s social and economic development forecast for 2015. The document takes into account all risks and reserves, which in general would secure a 2% growth for the Belarusian economy next year.

In his words, the main target for the industry in 2015 will be gaining momentum in the manufacturing and value added growth to secure at least 1.6% growth.

According to the First Vice Premier, the most promising areas in industrial manufacturing should be highly upgraded industries specializing on domestic feedstock. First of all, it is woodworking and food production. An increase in supplies to Russia on the back of latest sanctions against it will play a positive role as well.

As for other industries, the production of construction materials is expected at 2.7%. “Sectors running at full capacity and having a high weight in the industry will see a moderate growth. That is chemical industry in the first place. The output of potash fertilizers will stay at the 2014 maximum. Mechanical engineering and related sectors will witness a 1.5-3% growth next year,” Vladimir Semashko said.