Development of the agro-industrial complex, the biotechnological cluster, and the social sphere. Subbotin spoke about the plans for 2023

Vitebsk region in 2022 took leading positions among the regions of Belarus in exports, retail and wholesale trade turnover, and became second in GRP, yielding only to the Brest region. This was announced to journalists at the final session of the regional Council of Deputies by the Chairman of the regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin.

Despite a difficult year, when the country and, in particular, the Vitebsk region faced sanctions pressure, the region managed to achieve success in some sectors of the economy. "The year was not easy due to increasing sanctions pressure, external restrictions, and a difficult situation in the country in the industrial and agricultural sectors due to the lack of raw material supplies and the disruption of many supply chains. Despite the escalating situation, we managed to overcome this hurdle together with minimal losses. If I were to list all the results, it would be very extensive. In simple terms, we became first in exports, retail and wholesale trade turnover. We became second in GRP, which is one of the most significant indicators, with only the Brest region ahead. In addition, we took third place in the volume of import substitution products," the head of the region briefly summarized the preliminary results of the outgoing year.

Regarding the plans for the upcoming year, Alexander Subbotin noted that much has been started this year and will continue next year. "It will be important to complete what my predecessors started under Decree No. 70 in the agricultural sector. The region has been working under it for two years, and now we see where there are shortcomings, where there is something to fix. Many projects will be in cultural and social life. We have also launched the formation of a biotechnology cluster - something that the head of state requires, so that each region has one or two such large projects. In 2023, this project will begin to be implemented," the governor emphasized.

Alexander Subbotin also noted that the leadership of the region and districts is calculating possible risks for the upcoming year, which are mainly related to external factors - sanctions, armed conflicts occurring outside our country. "We hope that everything will calm down in the world, common sense will prevail, and we will continue to be friends as before, and our partnership and logistical ties with the West will be restored," the head of the region shared his opinion.

"BELTA"