The Big Seven, the rules of carriage, the milkmen's case, the rescue from Gaza, the military arsenal and Belarus in diamonds. Results of the President's Week

ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO during a visit to the Gomel production association "Crystal" - the management company of the holding company "KRISTALL-HOLDING" Alexander Lukashenko during a visit to the 1868th artillery weapons base Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting on passenger transportation issues Alexander Lukashenko during a visit to the Gomel production association "Crystal" " - management company of the holding "KRISTALL-HOLDING" Alexander Lukashenko during a visit to the 1868th artillery base Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting on passenger transportation issues Alexander Lukashenko during a visit to the Gomel production association "Kristall" - management company of the holding "KRISTALL-HOLDING" 123 News topics

The work schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working meetings on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits the regions, makes foreign visits and himself receives foreign guests, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws... And even when there are no public events, this does not mean at all that The HEAD of state is not working. However, even during rest, be it hockey training or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko will find a reason for another assignment. As he likes to say, everything must be based on life.

The "Week of the President" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state, to be aware of the most current statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.

In which Lukashenko supported the hunters, although he himself is not a follower of this hobby; and what is the “Big Belarusian Seven”.

Work in Belarus of minibuses and taxis. What made this issue raised at the highest level, and what innovations await this area in the very near future.

Who in Belarus got burned by MILK or what the greed of some leaders and businessmen leads to. First-hand details of the high-profile case of milkmen.

The road of life from Gaza to Belarus . How the President's orders were carried out, and what was the role of the KGB in this.

As well as details of Lukashenko’s working trip to Gomel. How the safety and repair of weapons is ensured, for which the head of state praised the military, where diamonds are cut and ingots cast in Belarus, and what is more beautiful than the rarest diamonds. All this and more in the new issue of BELTA’s special project “Week of the President”.

BIG SEVEN. What questions did the chief Belarusian hunter come to report to the President with?

On November 13, Alexander Lukashenko heard a report on the activities of the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishers. Chairman of the state public association Igor Shunevich and Deputy Prime Minister Leonid Zayats were invited to the event to the head of state.

“As far as I understand, you initiated this conversation due to the fact that the decision made in the Government is not exactly what society would like,” said the head of state, addressing Igor Shunevich. “You understand, there are state interests, personal interests society. But we must do it wisely - in a way that is best for the state and for the people who are in our organization today."

One of the questions concerned the charter of the public association: “What is there that the Government has not agreed on?” - the President asked.

The presented list of questions included a topic related to the production of ammunition for smooth-bore weapons. “I don’t see anything bad here. Let’s think about how best to do this,” said the head of state.

The agenda also included the issue of adjusting legislation on the circulation of weapons and ammunition.

Another topic concerned the regulation of the number of animals and birds listed in the Red Book of Belarus. “This is a super-national issue, very important for the image of our country,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.

The Chairman of the BOOR also spoke about the activities of the organization and its ongoing reform. “A year and a half ago, I reported on the proposal for reform. It is proceeding as usual, and the main decisions have already been made. During this period, the society has taken significant steps towards improving not only the work of society, but also, as you rightly noted, in a state manner, the hunting industry in the country as a whole," he said.

As Igor Shunevich emphasized, hunting is a traditional Belarusian occupation and industry in which the state invests huge amounts of material resources, and, accordingly, should receive a return.

About trophy hunting

The head of the BOOR also brought to the attention of Alexander Lukashenko an innovation - the “Valikaya Belarusian Five” and “Valikaya Belarusian Seven” badges have been established, which will be awarded for trophy hunting. The first such sign was given to Alexander Lukashenko by Igor Shunevich during the meeting.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that he is not a hunter, so he will give the award to the museum.

Alexander Lukashenko

According to the head of BOOR, similar ratings exist in other countries of the world and when creating the domestic mark, experts relied on the experience of Africa. In particular, the “African Big Five”, which includes the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion and buffalo, are well known among hunters.

Belarusian badges for trophy hunters are made by jewelers using precious metals - gold and silver. “Seven” is intended for men, “five” is intended for women. To receive the award, they must produce trophies of the so-called gold quality, designated in a special provision, within 5 years. Traditionally, the Belarusian “five” are considered to be elk, deer, roe deer, wolf and wild boar. It was taken as the basis for the men's nomination. Thus, the owner of the “Belarusian Seven” must hunt elk, deer, roe deer, wolf and wild boar, plus bison and wood grouse. For women, the bison and wolf were removed from this list.

About decisions that life itself dictates

One of the issues during the meeting was the regulation of the number of regulated species of game animals and animals included in the Red Book of Belarus. “Everyone knows the topic of the brown bear. The topic of the lynx is less known,” noted the head of the BOOR. “We presented our proposals in this part, not proposing extreme things, obviously unpopular, but decisions that life itself dictates.”

Brown bear and lynx populations have increased in Belarus recently, along with an increase in biodiversity in the country as a whole. “The reasonable use of these species is proposed to be carried out by regulating their numbers, without opening a hunt for them. That is, where there is an excessive number of brown bears and they interfere with human life, it is proposed to remove a certain amount of the animal in order to balance, make a balance between the interests of humans and animals," said the head of the BOOR.

To clarifying questions from journalists about the methods of such a seizure, Igor Shunevich replied: “The number of bears is galloping in our country. There are already more than 700 of them (individuals - BELTA’s note) for sure, although twenty years ago there were 150. Our task is to get a clear understanding from our scientific community, what is the optimal number of bears there should be on our territory, which would allow us to open a hunt for them. Since this optimal number has not been deduced today, we say: let us regulate the number where there are a lot of them, extremely many, where there are interferes with life."

The head of the BOOR emphasized that at this stage we are only talking about regulating the number: “This does not mean that we will open a hunt. This is a Red Book.” “But if there is an excess amount of it, a certain amount needs to be shot, especially problem animals that enter populated areas and apiaries, which are already injuring people today,” Igor Shunevich is convinced.

HOME FOR FACTORY WORKERS! How the President helped MZKT workers in resolving the housing issue

Alexander Lukashenko supported the proposal to transfer gratuitously into the ownership of MZKT OJSC 40 apartments in a multi-apartment residential building on the street. Plekhanov in MINSK for the company’s employees. This became known on November 13.

It would seem that the issue is not of a national scale, but the President often delves into and makes decisions on such everyday things. Not so long ago, he dealt with the problem of Minsk shareholders, who were trying to unreasonably increase the payment for their as yet unfinished “squares,” and now he helped the factory workers.

Previously, the building housed a non-residential dormitory. In 2013, it was transferred to MZKT for free use. At the expense of the enterprise, repairs and reconstruction were carried out there, converting it into a multi-apartment rental residential building.

“In 2018, we put it into operation and occupied it with our employees. The four-story building contains 40 apartments: 32 two-room and 8 one-room. This is already rental housing. It was owned by the state, but in the use of MZKT,” the deputy general DIRECTOR of MZKT explained to BELTA Pavel Oger.

Pavel Oger

However, the rent for factory workers was quite high. This is due to the fact that the calculation was made according to general current standards and coefficients, taking into account all factors, including the location of the house. And at present, the enterprise does not have the opportunity to reduce rent for certain categories of its employees, including those in need of financial support.

Taking into account the decision made by the President to transfer apartments into the ownership of MZKT, the enterprise will be able to independently set housing fees and provide for a reduction in its size, as well as additional benefits for large families.

“There were several requests regarding the cost of this rental housing. One of the solutions that we saw was to ask the state to transfer ownership to us. Because we invested the company’s money in this housing,” noted Pavel Oger .

The company expects that this measure will make it possible to more flexibly and efficiently resolve the housing issue for highly qualified specialists. This is one of the elements of improving living conditions for MZKT workers. At the same time, people are not removed from the general queue and in the future can build their own housing.

UNIFIED RULES OF THE GAME. What’s wrong with passenger transportation, and how Lukashenko ordered to put things in order with minibuses and taxis

On November 14, the President held a meeting on passenger transportation issues. “We are approaching this issue not only and not so much because there have been a number of accidents on the roads. But also because there are often many directions and issues in our lives that are disordered. And since this is the safety of people, our citizens (I’m not even talking about taxes, there are plenty of abuses there), this issue needs to be streamlined,” the Belarusian leader noted.

He emphasized the need to thoroughly understand and establish the same rules of the game for everyone - tough, transparent and understandable: “No one needs to be pressured, poisoned, fired, etc. The rules of the game are the same for everyone! Both for legal and illegal, organized and unorganized. According to the same rules "A step to the left, a step to the right... It is necessary to determine what functions the state assumes as a regulator: how total control will be exercised in this area, what additional responsibilities carriers will have."

About two simple requirements

The issue of passenger road transport concerns minibuses that run in cities and between populated areas, and taxi cars.

"The state has two simple requirements for this area . The first is the safety of people. Many of our citizens and guests of the country use this type of transport. The second is the legal work of carriers. Because the revenue is underestimated, hidden, salaries are paid in envelopes, taxes are not paid in frantic size. This is what law enforcement agencies are doing. I would like Kubrakov, together with Tertel (the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB. - BELTA) to report to me before the new year to make decisions. There is no need to talk to them. If you haven’t paid the tax, go there (we are talking about attracting responsibility in accordance with the law. - Note BELTA)," the head of state said.

He stated that, in general, not all participants in this business comply with clear and fair rules: “As inspections by the State Control Committee show, there are many unscrupulous businessmen.” Budget losses amount to tens of millions of rubles, and conscientious carriers are forced to close their businesses and fire people.

Thus, over 9 months of 2023, a little more than 10 thousand cars were checked. About 9 thousand violations were identified. The worst thing is that illegal immigrants deliberately evade the safety requirements that apply to regular carriers. And such an attitude towards the matter, sooner or later, can lead to a tragedy similar to the one in the Smolevichi region, where a dozen and a half people died.

As for financial violations, the Government has been instructed to think about the issue of toughening punishment for real things, as the President outlined them: “If you fragmented a business, answer. If you didn’t pay taxes... Listen, who can blame us: in America you can get a life sentence for not paying taxes - a democratic country.” , he noted.

On the draft decree on road transportation of passengers

The government, with the participation of the State Control Committee and the KGB, has prepared a draft decree regulating relations in the field of road passenger transportation. Possible innovations in this area became the topic of discussion at the meeting with the President.

It is proposed to organize a register of legal carriers, dispatchers and other participants in the process. “That is, you were allowed to transport people by taxi and minibuses, you are on the register - go and carry them. The rules will also be established. If you are not there and, God forbid, you are engaged in these transportations - to Kubrakov and Tertel (we are talking about bringing to justice authorized law enforcement agencies. - BELTA's note). This must be suppressed in the most brutal way so that they understand. But I say again: there is no need to give them a reason that “we have crushed, we are poisoning someone” and so on. Everyone who can, whom allowed to participate in these transportations, work, everyone is on equal terms,” explained the Belarusian leader.

Separate requirements are provided for Internet aggregators. “It is obvious that everyone who wants to work in Belarus needs to place their information systems on our territory. No Polish, German, Dutch companies. These are the immutable requirements of the state as a guarantor of security, protection of personal data, suppression of illegal actions,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

As a result, the main points of the decree were agreed upon at the meeting. The President instructed to weigh it again, meet at the Government level with all involved government agencies, and submit the final draft document for signature.

After the decree is signed, in the first quarter of next year at the government level it will be necessary to finalize certain norms - to carry out the necessary procedures and adopt resolutions in development of the approved norms. It is expected that the decree should come into effect from the second half of 2024, said Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak.

The meeting also discussed the topic of complaints and requests received from the population regarding passenger transportation. The head of state instructed the governors to find answers to all these questions - if necessary, develop new schemes, perhaps add somewhere the number of vehicles on routes.

Anatoly Sivak especially noted that there is no antagonism between state and private carriers, as they sometimes try to present. Private traders working according to established rules suffer equally from unscrupulous players in the market.

The draft decree deals with the creation of a register of road transport of passengers in irregular traffic (in relation to regular carriers, the licensing procedure was applied and remains the same). It is planned to include data on carriers, drivers, dispatchers and vehicles. Indeed, at present, for example, there are facts when non-scheduled carriers formally, under the guise of servicing weddings or corporate events, launch regular flights. And some are even trying to work completely illegally.

With the adoption of the decree, punishment for such violations will become even more severe. And inclusion in the register of used vehicles will allow, for example, to track cases when a transport company, upon identifying some violations, can simply re-register and continue to work in violation of the law under a different sign.

And if a taxi service is ordered through a particular company using Internet applications, then only a carrier that is in the registry can be connected to the system. In addition, there will be a requirement for such services to create a legal entity on the territory of Belarus.

It is expected that there will also be an obligation for entities to provide government authorities with access to information about completed orders.

In order to increase the level of safety for carriers, it is planned to establish an obligation to video record passenger transportation.

THE MILKMAN CASE. What criminal schemes did the President talk about?

At the beginning of the meeting on road transportation, Alexander Lukashenko retreated from the main topic of conversation to publicly talk about the discovery of criminal schemes in the dairy industry. “Due to the fact that people have come to me regarding some issues, I would like to publicly voice the problem. Since the investigation into this case is ongoing, I cannot voice many facts. But those who are trying to contact me, they will hear and understand, what I mean,” the President noted.

The head of state spoke about the scheme uncovered by law enforcement officers using the example of the Mogilev enterprise “Babushkina Krynka” . Several years ago a new leader was appointed there. He formed his “team” from among his close acquaintances and relatives and began a “new sales policy.”

“In September 2019, Mr. Skitov was appointed to the position of director. He formed his own team of managers (many people like to say about this: “A team... we are here...” I always saved you from this: no teams, there must be a management structure, etc.), a new sales policy, completely took over the financial flows," the President noted. “He appointed the driver as the boss. And relatives - a cousin, a cousin and a son (how could we do without this?)."

“As a result of operational investigative activities, 8 commercial groups were taken into account, which established control on favorable terms over the EXPORT of products from a number of domestic milk processing enterprises to RUSSIA. Now they will start howling and shouting: it was a “doctors’ case”, there was someone else’s case , now it’s “the business of the milkmen.” I specifically say this in front of the governors, because this is typical for you. I just took “Granny’s Krynka”. But you will all answer. Moreover, you will answer harshly,” the President warned.

A distinctive feature of the activities of the owners of Belarusian companies was the presence of controlled business entities in Russia, which made it possible to sell products with a minimum markup, and then sell the goods to the end consumer at a higher price, underestimating the tax base. The information received showed that the implementation of the scheme could not be carried out without the participation of officials of enterprises and government agencies. “Roman Aleksandrovich (Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko - BELTA’s note), also answer if your faces are there. Members of the Government are also there. I’m not giving names while the investigation is underway,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.

Through bribery, individual businessmen received the right of priority distribution of dairy products ( butter , cheeses , other dairy products) in their favor with the possibility of purchasing at a price below the established indicative.

The head of state emphasized that such a criminal scheme became possible because the Government had not developed a system for selling products, and this is a matter of national importance.

“I tell the Chairman of the Committee (KGB - BELTA) to rewrite everyone, all the property. And there is a lot of property there. Everything should be confiscated to the state. We see the damage. All property should belong to the state. They have become insolent to the extreme,” Alexander was indignant Lukashenko.

Later, the KGB reported that 26 people were involved in a number of criminal cases, of whom 15 were in custody. The criminal proceeds from the unjustified intermediary activities of all participants in illegal activities in the dairy industry, taking into account the difference in prices in Belarus and Russia, amounted to at least $10 million per year.

Alexander Lukashenko returned to the topic of combating theft and corruption on Friday, November 17, during a working trip to Gomel. Communicating with employees of the Crystal jewelry enterprise, the head of state said: “We will hold out. Next year - the Year of Quality - we will force everyone to work efficiently. Who wants and who doesn’t want. Well, whoever is a thief, a swindler, a rogue - it will be like with the milkmen "No one will stand on ceremony with anyone. And we will publicly name names and their “creations.” I mean corrupt officials."

“Although they often tell me: “Alexander Grigoryevich, God forbid that it would be like this in every country (low level of corruption, like in Belarus. - BELTA note). But I don’t want it to happen at all (such phenomena in the country as corruption and theft. - Note BELTA). It is unacceptable to steal, sell someone else's property for bribes, or put it in your own pocket. From trade to these swindlers,” added the Belarusian leader.

BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT. What a landmark document for Belarusian-Chinese relations was approved by Lukashenko

On November 16, the head of state signed decree No. 356, by which he approved, as a basis for negotiations, a draft agreement between the government of the Republic of Belarus and the government of the People's Republic of CHINA on trade in services and investment.

This establishes the legal basis for the sustainable and dynamic development of trade and investment relations between the two countries. We are talking about creating a free trade zone in services between Belarus and China, a transparent, liberal and favorable investment regime to attract investment.

The agreement creates the groundwork for the development of cooperation in new areas while respecting (protecting) the interests of both parties in the most sensitive segments of the economy.

The Ministry of Economy is authorized to conduct negotiations and sign an agreement when an agreement is reached within the approved project.

It is expected that in the future, cooperation under the agreement will dynamically increase the export of Belarusian services to China and increase investment flows from China .

INSTRUCTION OF THE PRESIDENT. How Belarusian citizens and members of their families were rescued from the Gaza Strip

On the night of November 16-17, the Belarusians and members of their families rescued from the Gaza Strip were safely at the capital’s airport. For more than a month they were in conditions of a humanitarian catastrophe - without water and electricity. The state did not remain indifferent to its citizens who became victims of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that broke out in early October. The President ordered to evacuate them along with their families (and there are children among them ) and transport them to Belarus.

The Belarusian side, in contact with colleagues from Israel and Egypt, with the assistance of Russia and Qatar, organized the exit of Belarusian citizens and members of their families from the Gaza Strip. People proceeded through the Rafah border crossing into Egyptian territory.

At the border with the Gaza Strip, citizens of Belarus and members of their families were met by KGB officers who were carrying out the instructions of the President of Belarus to evacuate refugees.

“As our head of state said, the most expensive thing is bread, and the most expensive thing is people,” one of the employees told the evacuees.

“Hold on! This nightmare is already behind us!” These words were used to encourage Belarusians and their families. “All other little things are not important. Everything can be resolved. All issues will be resolved as they arise.”

A few hours later, behind them. On the plane were doctors and psychologists from the Republican Special Forces Unit, who provided assistance to both adults and children. The Belarusians and their families boarded the ship and left Egypt .

All those who arrived in Belarus were warmly welcomed, accommodation was selected in various regions and other necessary assistance and support was provided.

One of the participants in the mission to rescue Belarusians and their families from Gaza, an employee of the State Security Committee, told reporters the details of the organization and implementation of the mission: “The head of state ordered the organization of the evacuation of Belarusians and their families from the Gaza Strip. We collected all the necessary information about Belarusians and their relatives, who were in Gaza and wished to evacuate. Based on this information, we compiled a list that included not only Belarusian citizens, but also members of their families who did not have Belarusian citizenship. We were given the task of taking them all from there - with their children and even grandchildren." .

The mission participants prepared for a variety of scenarios. A special KGB group worked together with interested government agencies, as well as in contact with Russian colleagues. It was planned to transport citizens to Cairo and fly to Belarus.

WELL DONE MILITARY! Why did Lukashenko come to the base with weapons in Gomel

On November 17, the President visited Gomel on a working trip, where he got acquainted with the work of the 1868th artillery weapons base.

Various types of weapons and military equipment are stored and repaired on the territory of a military facility. The head of state was informed about the purpose of the artillery base and its structure.

The head of the base, Evgeny Maslyukov, said that the weapons base was formed in 1941 and passed along the roads of the Second World War. Since 1945 it has been stationed in Gomel. On its territory there is a storage area for small arms, a workshop for repairing weapons and equipment, and an open storage area for weapons. “The base is intended for repair and maintenance of missile and artillery weapons, maintenance of their reserves, provision of the Armed Forces and territorial troops,” he reported.

Alexander Lukashenko asked whether all small arms were repaired, stored properly and ready for battle.

“That’s right,” answered Evgeny Maslyukov.

As Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin reported to the President, all small arms stored in warehouses in the Armed Forces are properly inventoried and are in perfect order.

The head of state personally inspected the storage conditions. “This is a big deal. Well done! This is how it should be,” he appreciated what he saw. “If you did this, just well done for going over it like a master.”

Among other weapons, Alexander Lukashenko was shown a machine gun. He asked if it was new or had already been used and restored. The head of the base replied that in this case it is difficult to judge solely by appearance, because at the base used machine guns are restored to new condition, and it is impossible to visually distinguish them.

Then the Head of State inspected the artillery repair shop. Here, for example, the self-propelled howitzers "Gvozdika" and "Acacia", the "Gyacinth" cannon and the "Vasilek" automatic mortar are being put into order.

“We need to engage in import substitution of reinforced concrete. It’s too expensive to purchase. Strain the industry!” - noted Alexander Lukashenko.

Further along the presidential route there were workshops where they repair military optics and small arms.

Following his visit to the artillery base, Alexander Lukashenko praised the military for the safety of weapons and military equipment. “They have a good facility. Intelligent. This is no longer the future, but the present. This is the path we followed, improving, modernizing and preserving our weapons. Today I am convinced that our military is great. We pay a lot of attention to ensuring that our "The military were fed, clothed, rested and trained in good barracks. I will say as a military man - it’s nothing when there are no weapons and ammunition," the head of state said.

He noted that previously the task was set to inspect the weapons in storage, sort through and put in order everything left over from Soviet times. “The military are great. They basically put everything in order in 5 years,” the President said.

At the end of his visit to the artillery base in Gomel, Alexander Lukashenko was presented with a grenade launcher “to replenish his personal arsenal.” This is an RPG-7 complete with a PGO-7V optical device.

THE ENDLESS EDGE. Why Lukashenko is dissatisfied with the work of farmers in the east of the country

Despite the fact that the head of state’s helicopter landed at a military base upon arrival in Gomel, Alexander Lukashenko began his working trip with errands on agriculture. Moreover, in some places we had to observe obvious shortcomings from the helicopter.

There was talk of finishing the corn harvest. The head of state emphasized that in the current weather it is not worth going into the fields with equipment, because there is a high risk of simply ruining it. “As soon as it dries out, we need to finish harvesting the corn in a smart way,” he said.

Another task of plowing the land. Not all of these works have been completed.

More global and long-term - the continuation of land reclamation work, which is very important for the Gomel region.

“Your task: during the winter, you have to think about what needs to be done starting in the spring. Huge areas have not been plowed. As in the Mogilev region. I think, in the Vitebsk region. I specifically flew through the east yesterday and today. Compared to the west - the Grodno region, Brest and even Minsk in some places have a lot of work to do. We need to put the land in order, restore livestock - and move forward," the President instructed the head of the region, Ivan Krupko.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed a number of specific complaints based on what he saw from the helicopter. For example, not far from Chechersk, the President drew attention to inadequate conditions for storing feed nearby. “Everything is flooded with water. And now he will feed the cattle with this?” - the head of state outlined the problematic issue.

The President also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of modern expensive agricultural equipment. And here it comes down to the availability of qualified personnel. “This equipment requires trained personnel. This is an ‘aircraft,’” he noted.

GIRLS' BEST FRIENDS. How jewelry is being developed in Belarus, and what is the most beautiful thing in the world

The next point on the itinerary of Alexander Lukashenko's working trip was the Gomel production association "Crystal" - the management company of the holding company "CRYSTAL-HOLDING".

The general director of the enterprise, Ruslan Sorokova, reported to the head of state on the results of the modernization of diamond processing production and the measures taken to improve the efficiency of the plant. Gomel "Crystal" was founded in 1972 as one of 7 factories of the same name in the Soviet Union. Today, only two enterprises continue their activities - in Gomel and Smolensk.

“In 1993, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the question arose about the utilization of production. The fact that today there is still some diamond processing somewhere outside of India (today more than 90% of all diamond processing is in India), including in Belarus, is solely thanks to "that decisions were made at your level. Having preserved diamond processing, we, for the first time in the republic, at our own expense, created jewelry production, which allows us to produce more marginal products. Today, diamond processing takes up 20% of our business, and jewelry - 80%," Ruslan told Sorokova .

All targets for both the enterprise and the holding are being met, the general director said. According to him, the plant purchases raw materials mainly from Russia, but is now starting to cooperate with Zimbabwe.

“In this regard, we will help and push you. They are meeting us halfway. There is no need to put all your eggs in one basket ,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

A new direction for Kristall is the production of measured gold bars for the Ministry of Finance. In the future, the department sells them to business entities, banks and other financial institutions of Belarus. This is a serious contribution to import substitution, because previously ingots were supplied to Belarus from Western European countries.

The President demanded that these issues be taken under special control in order to finally replace the import of these products. “Can we do everything for the National Bank? This means that starting next year, and even this year, we should not import anything from Switzerland,” he emphasized.

At the enterprise, Alexander Lukashenko familiarized himself in detail with the stages of jewelry production and diamond processing.

During his visit to the jewelry factory, the President also spoke with employees of the enterprise. “I’ve been planning to come to you for a long time. Not because you make such beauty - in the world, they probably don’t make anything more beautiful artificially. The most beautiful thing in the world, I think, is a woman. And they decorate a woman (I don’t think so, but women themselves think so) diamonds, gold and so on. I have a calm attitude towards these things. I have never owned them. For me it’s like a raw material and a finished product. But I’m always glad if our women look more beautiful with these products,” noted Alexander Lukashenko during communication with the workforce.

According to the President, once many people came to him with a proposal to privatize the enterprise. But it was decided that it would remain state-owned. "I categorically said no. This is a state enterprise, and it will remain so. At least while I am President. Our people have learned to make beauty - it is not for sale. For me, losing is not diamonds and gold, but a school, people who know how to do it , is a disaster. This is the highest level of competence,” said the head of state.

“We didn’t just preserve and restore your enterprise. We will develop it. We will invest in you, invest money. We will buy the most modern equipment. And such a crazy thought crept into my head: we will not just reach the global level of production of your products “We must exceed this level. We can do this,” Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. “We will invest and invest in you. But, naturally, we will also ask you to produce products above the world level.”

Kristall-HOLDING also includes Beluvelirtorg stores; there are more than 70 of them around the country. The President believes that the network needs to be expanded.

“Now you own a good share of the domestic market, you produce for foreign markets. The task for the minister and the leader in the near future is to do everything for themselves. But do it in such a way as not to prohibit the supplies of competitors, but so that they cannot compete with you. To do this we will do everything. This is not because there is not enough jewelry. There is enough. Only if you disappear, then in Belarus this jewelry and so on will cost three times more. I wouldn’t want to,” the President noted. “But also to lose people ", highly qualified, talented, school, it is impossible. This is our enterprise. It will always be ours. Not a single President will risk getting rid of such an enterprise."

WE STANDED. Why Lukashenko forbade the Government to even talk about sanctions

Communicating with the workforce, Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus has withstood the sanctions pressure.

The head of state is confident that if there is a seller and a buyer, then no sanctions will interfere: “Sanctions are sanctions, and business is business.”

Alexander Lukashenko recalled that he forbade the Government to even talk about sanctions. “This relaxes people, and then you can blame everything on sanctions. This would relax the country,” he said. “Yes, it’s not easy, it’s hard. But we survived. We have a place to sell our products. This is the most important thing.”

The President also recalled the task of import substitution - to do your own thing, and increased attention will be paid to this in the Year of Quality (2024).

Belarus pays special attention to developing new markets. For example, cooperation with the countries of the African continent. Good relations have been established with Zimbabwe, and a return visit from the head of state is expected.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the great prospects for developing cooperation with these countries and the region as a whole. This is also important for the operation of enterprises such as Kristall. The African continent has large deposits of precious metals and diamonds. But there is interaction, for example, in agriculture. Thanks to Belarusian technology, a good harvest was obtained in Zimbabwe. “Today they received a record harvest of grain, and for the first time in history, thanks to our technology and help, they fed their people with bread. They are the richest country. Naturally, we work with them on favorable terms. They like that we did not come to them as colonialists,” noted The president.

CURRENT QUESTION. What severe tasks does Lukashenko intend to set for Belkoopsoyuz?

The head of state at the Kristall enterprise was asked how the situation in the countryside could be improved: in the outback, and often in agricultural towns, the range of products is significantly inferior to that in the capital and even in the district, and consumer cooperation is gradually losing its position to private traders who think only about their own benefit.

“As a village person (we are all from the village, some are in the second, some in the third generation) I support the village, that’s why we saved it. But imagine: 10-20 people, and we have to transport goods there. And these are costs and expenses, it's not cheap. People's salaries, fuel, and cars need to be bought. We helped everyone (consumer cooperatives - BELTA's note): I allocated loans for the purchase of equipment, etc., etc. But I see that strict military discipline needs to be introduced there, as they did in Brest and Grodno. At the beginning of next year we will assemble the Belkoopsoyuz (there will be a new leader, the old one has been fired) - the most severe tasks will be set,” Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.

According to the President, consumer cooperation will definitely reach at least agricultural towns and large villages.

The activities of private trade in rural areas will also be under the control of the authorities. Entrepreneurs are not prohibited from opening their stores in villages and agricultural towns, but there is one condition, the head of state noted: they will not profit from people.

“Because of their large network and smart approaches, they do not keep their prices high. On the contrary, Belkoopsoyuz is losing to them and is forced to cover its expenses, sometimes crazy, with prices. Therefore, in the near future we will take on Belkoopsoyuz, and we will take it very seriously. They can work, let them " - said Alexander Lukashenko.

QUALITY MARK. The revival of which Soviet tradition was supported by the President

One of the Kristall employees put forward the idea of ​​establishing a single state quality mark in Belarus, similar to the one that existed during the Soviet Union. This way, buyers can be completely confident that they are purchasing a quality product, and this is guaranteed by the state.

Alexander Lukashenko supported the idea. “We will declare next year the Year of Quality. I have already spoken about this. We produce a lot. And high-quality, good products. But we need better. In order to compete. Because we have an open economy. We need to raise the quality higher in order to compete , ” - he said.

The President stated that not only, for example, Germany is a world leader in quality, but also China is making leaps and bounds in this direction. Belarus, for example, is currently working with China on the issue of organizing its own car production in the country, and Alexander Lukashenko intends to continue discussing this topic at his next meeting with the Chairman of the People's Republic of China. “They gave us samples of these cars. An electric car and a regular gasoline car. “Space” - the drivers report. That is, everyone strives for high quality,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state proposed taking the Soviet quality mark, which he liked outwardly, as the basis for the modern Belarusian one. He gave the corresponding instructions to the Government.

The USSR State Quality Mark was used to mark serial products for civilian use that met high quality standards (consumer goods and industrial and technical products) produced by enterprises of the Union. The five facets of this sign were associated with the five-pointed star, as well as the components of quality: reliability, accessibility, safety, aesthetics and innovation.

EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON PEOPLE. What does Lukashenko see as the recipe for a good life for the country and its citizens?

Concluding his conversation in Gomel with the company’s employees, the President emphasized that if everyone in their place improves at least a little, then the country as a whole and the people in Belarus will live well. “As for the future, you know, I have no other concern - only that you feel good. And if you each add even a little bit, a millimeter, we will live normally. If by two millimeters, we will be rich. It all depends from our people. We have everything," the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko recalled his call that it is better to work hard in the field than to fight at the front. “I am a peaceful person, and I will do everything to prevent war from happening. This is very important for you. You know, this war is going on behind the fence. And it takes me a lot of effort to ensure that it does not cross the border here,” - stated the President.

In this regard, the head of state expressed complaints that in the east of the country from a helicopter he saw many defects and neglected places in the fields. “There is still so much work on earth, disgrace and negligence! We still have a large amount of work,” he noted.

The president gave an example that last year the country earned $8 billion from food. “This is a lot of money. Similar countries do not earn that much from oil . But we can be richer if we are responsible,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The south of the country and the Gomel region were at one time, not without the help of the President, taken away from Chernobyl, and these regions were saved. “You are great. I can’t say that you are doing a bad job, although there is room for improvement. But we still have a lot of problems where we need to put things in order. It’s not the case that the Gomel region was the leader in livestock deaths last year,” - noted the Belarusian leader.

“We will never fight if we have a normal economy. In Ukraine , it started with the fact that they began to take away the richest country - they privatized it, cut it into pieces,” the President noted. “We must be honest, we must work. There is no other country for you or our children will not have it. Look, some of them fled from the Gomel region abroad - they are asking to go home. Please - there is a commission, go prove: they didn’t kill, didn’t steal, didn’t go outside, didn’t break, didn’t crumble - let’s take it. They were lost, they were different But excuse me, if you intimidated our people and are still doing it, you better sit there, don’t come here.”

After visiting the Kristall production association, Alexander Lukashenko was presented with a memorable gift - a map of Belarus made using gilded silver and real diamonds. Minsk , regional and district centers are marked on the map with diamonds of different sizes . Another gift to the Head of State is a pen made of bog oak, which is approximately 4050 years old. The oak was caught in the Sozh River near the village of Karpovka, Loevsky district.

Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee Ivan Krupko handed over a loaf from the Gomel region to the Head of State. But Alexander Lukashenko immediately gave it to the Kristall team, advising them to use it with tea.