Lukashenko receives report of Belgospishcheprom chairman

“We need to discuss the situation at our state food industry concern Belgospishcheprom. It the past we called this association the Food Industry Ministry,” the Belarusian leader said.

He remarked that the food industry concern uniting over 40 enterprises with about 20,000 employees is relatively small. However, it plays a very important role. Belgospishcheprom accounts for about 7% of payments to the budget in Belarus. “Of course, this is not the Agriculture and Food Ministry, but we must understand that it provides for nearly 100,000 people if we count the employees with their family members. The contribution to the budget is serious, and the number of employees is serious. It means that this business is very important,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“However, today I do not want to listen to your report. Please tell me what was good and what was bad. There have been certain drawbacks and positive moments. First of all, I would like to be informed about the products you make, especially about your export, and about the responsibilities of the vice premier. He is a coordinator of your work,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

According to the president. Some enterprises included in Belgospishcheprom concern are operated at the local level. “As far as I understand these are still state-run enterprises. I am always concerned about the transfer of enterprises from a higher to a lower level. I do not want it to be reason for privatizing them without the approval of the president or the government. Please tell about such facts, if there are any,” the head of state asked.

He said that four sugar refineries are also included in the food industry concern. “We know that last year the situation with sugar prices was not ideal, and that the prices for sugar soared in late 2020-early 2021. What is the current state of affairs?” the president wondered.

In 2020 the export of Belgospishcheprom organizations went up 15% to reach $404.3 million over 2019. In January-June 2021 Belgospishcheprom's export made up $172.6 million. The export geography was expanded to 72 courtiers in 2020 (53 countries in 2019).

Last year the food industry concerned branched out into 24 new sales markets. Belgospishcheprom penetrated 13 new sales markets in January-June 2021.

The profitability of sales of Belgospishcheprom enterprises made up 10.2% in 2020.

Belgospishcheprom supervises over 25 classes of economic activity. The major areas are the production of sugar, confectionery, fruit and vegetable preserves for children, vegetable oil and fat, alcoholic beverages and beer, malt, tobacco products and salt.