Exports in the Dubrovno district increased by almost 50 percent over the year
The President's "One District – One Project" initiative has become an effective tool for implementing the import substitution program and increasing export potential as a whole. It has also served as one of the incentives for local authorities and enterprises, which are increasingly offering new startup ideas of various scales aimed at the overall recovery of the economy of individual districts. "R" correspondents visited the border region of Dubrovenshchina and learned how investors are attracted here and what they are betting on.
"We are always open to dialogue and discussion of any entrepreneurial initiatives," notes the head of the district. "We are ready to assist in finding a production site, help with paperwork, staff recruitment and training, and solving other pressing issues for newcomers. The district is specific. Yes, we have a very advantageous geographical location, but there are also disadvantages: the proximity of large cities and excellent transport links cause a certain outflow of personnel. Therefore, the task of strengthening the industrial potential in parallel with improving the social sphere is a top priority. As the President said, if there are jobs, decent wages, and all the necessary benefits for life, people will stay in rural areas. We are developing enterprises, building housing, and improving healthcare."
Last year, the average salary in the district increased by almost 20 percent. 41.4 million rubles of investments were attracted to fixed capital: the growth rate is 129.4 percent, with a target of 116. Investment activity in construction and installation works showed a plus of 60 percent.
It is noteworthy that the number of предсrepresentatives of private business. Currently, there are over 80 small and medium-sized enterprises and almost 200 individual entrepreneurs operating here. All of them make a significant contribution to the revenue part of the district budget, providing about 30 percent of the receipts.
— We have already worked out several important projects for the near future, — Sergey Poluychik, Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee for Economics, informs about the situation. — Currently, a Russian investor is starting the construction of a 60-bed hotel and four separate guest houses near the M-1 highway — this is another step towards improving the infrastructure of roadside services. A Baltic entrepreneur, who was previously involved in woodworking and exported lumber, has upgraded his business. Due to the tightening of sanctions policy, he lost the opportunity to sell his products in Europe, and therefore he has started developing an innovative technology in the construction industry — he will produce unique prefabricated panel house kits made of wood and a special composite.

He already has prototypes, and is studying domestic and foreign markets. It is obvious that the product is in demand and will definitely find a buyer. If successful, it will create at least 25 new jobs.
The District Executive Committee states that modern enterprises focused on innovative products are the strategic foundation of the future. Every year, the population of the district, where 13.4 thousand Dubrovno residents live, decreases by about 300 people. Therefore, it is necessary, among other things, to attract young people to work in the district. Moreover, there are all the conditions for the development of private initiative here: for the implementation of promising business projects, one can buy four real estate objects of their choice for one basic amount — schools and kindergartens that are no longer used in the village.Three land plots have also been prepared for the construction of new enterprises. In addition, the district is rich in high-grade clay deposits, which can be used to produce quality ceramic tiles. The residents of Dubrovno have already sent a corresponding proposal to OJSC "Keramin" and justified it: their raw materials are no worse than those previously imported from Ukraine.
Startup ideas are good. Real deeds are even better. And today, Sergey Ivanovich invites you to get acquainted with the work of a recently opened enterprise. On the way to the former consumer cooperative store, now a sewing workshop where tourist clothing and equipment are produced, he tells an interesting story about finding an investor. It turns out that the interests of a private entrepreneur and the state coincided very successfully in this case. Although by chance.
The Dubrovno flax mill has significantly increased its export supplies due to cottonized fiber.
Representatives of a firm that has production facilities in several Belarusian cities and works for the Russian market were passing through near Dubrovno on business. For some reason, they had to bypass a traffic jam on the highway, and they turned into the district center. They liked the cozy, quiet town. And then the businessmen unexpectedly decided to visit the district employment service. They asked: how are things with seamstresses?
— And just the day before, we were discussing the difficult situation in the labor market at the district executive committee. We came to the conclusion that it would be good to open a sewing production in Dubrovno. So, by the time of the visit, we already had all the figures and calculations, — says Sergey Poluichik. — In a word, we quickly found common ground with the guests, offered them several options for placing the workshop. That's how the issue was resolved.
— We have been working for about two months, the staff is not yet complete, — says master Anna Kalinina, bringing us up to speed. — Previously, my friend Tatyana Panulina and I used to drive eight kilometers from home to work, and now it's convenient: everything is nearby. Of course, the responsibility.
The seamstresses are experienced and easily master the production of new products such as life jackets for adults and children, backpacks, and tourist suits – all of which are exported to the Russian Federation. Judging by the number of available sewing machines, at least ten more people can be hired here.

"The number of jobs will be increased after the implementation of the second stage of the investment project within the framework of the "One District – One Project" initiative at OJSC "Dubroven Linen Mill," says Sergey Ivanovich. "Although the first stage, the installation of the cottonization line, has already shown the timeliness of the decision made."
The director of the linen mill, Anatoly Bosenkov, proves this with figures:
"What did the new line give us? An increase of 15 employees, and a deeper and very profitable processing of flax for us. If previously short fiber was sold cheaply, now the cottonized fiber produced from it is successfully shipped for export and brings the plant about 50 percent of all revenue. Last year, we produced and sold more than 500 tons of this fiber, which is very similar in quality to cotton. The project was included in the regional investment program and required a total of 2.2 million rubles. About half of this amount was budget funds. The equipment was purchased in China."
The technological line for the production of flaxseed oil is financed by the enterprise's own funds. Soon, flax processors will begin the installation and assembly of equipment, with the launch planned for autumn – just in time for the new harvest. And the focus is again on export. It turns out that technical flax oil, which the Dubroven plant will produce practically from waste, is in high demand in the petrochemical industry. Manufacturers of various paints, impregnations, and varnishes readily use it, marking such products with "eco" labels – as natural and harmless to humans.
By the way, OJSC "Dubroven Linen Mill" currently exports its products to ten countries worldwide. Now that itsProduction is becoming even higher quality and more diverse, there is an opportunity to develop new routes.
Strategy: A Comprehensive Approach
The Chairman of the Dubrovensky District Executive Committee, Anatoly Lukashev, cites one of the most important figures that testifies to the correctness of the economic tactics and strategy chosen by the district. According to the results of last year, the volume of export supplies increased by 45.8 percent. Several enterprises are among the leaders. OJSC "Dubrovensky Flax Mill" accounts for the lion's share of the total export structure. A private company specializing in the processing of livestock products and other economic entities have shown good growth."We are always open to dialogue and discussion of any entrepreneurial initiatives," notes the head of the district. "We are ready to assist in finding a production site, help with paperwork, staff recruitment and training, and solving other pressing issues for newcomers. The district is specific. Yes, we have a very advantageous geographical location, but there are also disadvantages: the proximity of large cities and excellent transport links cause a certain outflow of personnel. Therefore, the task of strengthening the industrial potential in parallel with improving the social sphere is a top priority. As the President said, if there are jobs, decent wages, and all the necessary benefits for life, people will stay in rural areas. We are developing enterprises, building housing, and improving healthcare."
Last year, the average salary in the district increased by almost 20 percent. 41.4 million rubles of investments were attracted to fixed capital: the growth rate is 129.4 percent, with a target of 116. Investment activity in construction and installation works showed a plus of 60 percent.
It is noteworthy that the number of предсrepresentatives of private business. Currently, there are over 80 small and medium-sized enterprises and almost 200 individual entrepreneurs operating here. All of them make a significant contribution to the revenue part of the district budget, providing about 30 percent of the receipts.
Initiative is welcomed
Undoubtedly, private entrepreneurs in rural areas are given the green light today in all their endeavors. And at various stages of business development, they are provided with significant state support.— We have already worked out several important projects for the near future, — Sergey Poluychik, Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee for Economics, informs about the situation. — Currently, a Russian investor is starting the construction of a 60-bed hotel and four separate guest houses near the M-1 highway — this is another step towards improving the infrastructure of roadside services. A Baltic entrepreneur, who was previously involved in woodworking and exported lumber, has upgraded his business. Due to the tightening of sanctions policy, he lost the opportunity to sell his products in Europe, and therefore he has started developing an innovative technology in the construction industry — he will produce unique prefabricated panel house kits made of wood and a special composite.
He already has prototypes, and is studying domestic and foreign markets. It is obvious that the product is in demand and will definitely find a buyer. If successful, it will create at least 25 new jobs.
The District Executive Committee states that modern enterprises focused on innovative products are the strategic foundation of the future. Every year, the population of the district, where 13.4 thousand Dubrovno residents live, decreases by about 300 people. Therefore, it is necessary, among other things, to attract young people to work in the district. Moreover, there are all the conditions for the development of private initiative here: for the implementation of promising business projects, one can buy four real estate objects of their choice for one basic amount — schools and kindergartens that are no longer used in the village.Three land plots have also been prepared for the construction of new enterprises. In addition, the district is rich in high-grade clay deposits, which can be used to produce quality ceramic tiles. The residents of Dubrovno have already sent a corresponding proposal to OJSC "Keramin" and justified it: their raw materials are no worse than those previously imported from Ukraine.
Startup ideas are good. Real deeds are even better. And today, Sergey Ivanovich invites you to get acquainted with the work of a recently opened enterprise. On the way to the former consumer cooperative store, now a sewing workshop where tourist clothing and equipment are produced, he tells an interesting story about finding an investor. It turns out that the interests of a private entrepreneur and the state coincided very successfully in this case. Although by chance.
Representatives of a firm that has production facilities in several Belarusian cities and works for the Russian market were passing through near Dubrovno on business. For some reason, they had to bypass a traffic jam on the highway, and they turned into the district center. They liked the cozy, quiet town. And then the businessmen unexpectedly decided to visit the district employment service. They asked: how are things with seamstresses?
— And just the day before, we were discussing the difficult situation in the labor market at the district executive committee. We came to the conclusion that it would be good to open a sewing production in Dubrovno. So, by the time of the visit, we already had all the figures and calculations, — says Sergey Poluichik. — In a word, we quickly found common ground with the guests, offered them several options for placing the workshop. That's how the issue was resolved.
Export Focus
...A spacious and bright room, two rows of modern sewing machines, smiling girls.— We have been working for about two months, the staff is not yet complete, — says master Anna Kalinina, bringing us up to speed. — Previously, my friend Tatyana Panulina and I used to drive eight kilometers from home to work, and now it's convenient: everything is nearby. Of course, the responsibility.
responsibility is higher, but working is also more interesting.
The seamstresses are experienced and easily master the production of new products such as life jackets for adults and children, backpacks, and tourist suits – all of which are exported to the Russian Federation. Judging by the number of available sewing machines, at least ten more people can be hired here.
"The number of jobs will be increased after the implementation of the second stage of the investment project within the framework of the "One District – One Project" initiative at OJSC "Dubroven Linen Mill," says Sergey Ivanovich. "Although the first stage, the installation of the cottonization line, has already shown the timeliness of the decision made."
The director of the linen mill, Anatoly Bosenkov, proves this with figures:
"What did the new line give us? An increase of 15 employees, and a deeper and very profitable processing of flax for us. If previously short fiber was sold cheaply, now the cottonized fiber produced from it is successfully shipped for export and brings the plant about 50 percent of all revenue. Last year, we produced and sold more than 500 tons of this fiber, which is very similar in quality to cotton. The project was included in the regional investment program and required a total of 2.2 million rubles. About half of this amount was budget funds. The equipment was purchased in China."
The technological line for the production of flaxseed oil is financed by the enterprise's own funds. Soon, flax processors will begin the installation and assembly of equipment, with the launch planned for autumn – just in time for the new harvest. And the focus is again on export. It turns out that technical flax oil, which the Dubroven plant will produce practically from waste, is in high demand in the petrochemical industry. Manufacturers of various paints, impregnations, and varnishes readily use it, marking such products with "eco" labels – as natural and harmless to humans.
By the way, OJSC "Dubroven Linen Mill" currently exports its products to ten countries worldwide. Now that itsProduction is becoming even higher quality and more diverse, there is an opportunity to develop new routes.