Aleksandr Lukashenko meets with Grodno Oblast Governor Semyon Shapiro

The administration of Grodno Oblast should promptly resolve existing problems, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he heard out the report of Grodno Oblast Governor Semyon Shapiro about the social and economic development of the region on 29 March. The event was the final working report delivered to the President by the chairmen of oblast administrations of Belarus.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Semyon Shapiro has been the governor for only two years, but the time is sufficient to evaluate the results. "For now the oblast does not look as good as we would like. Last year Grodno Oblast lagged behind in quality and quantity parameters of the social and economic development," the President said.

Particularly, the head of state pointed out that Grodno Oblast has the largest finished goods inventory at industrial enterprises. "I was told that some companies (Lidagroprommash and others) have indulged in messing with reports to cover up problems with sales, worsening their financial status," Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

In his words, net losses of enterprises in Grodno Oblast multiplied several times over last year.

Moreover, Grodno Oblast has the largest sums of outstanding debts to banks. The main debtors are the organizations directly run by local authorities.

The region's sales of cattle and poultry for slaughter have worsened, too.

"To make it worse, last year's problems continue this year. You are once again among leaders in the finished goods inventory of individual companies, you are one of those lagging behind in the agricultural output and merchandise export. These problems are to be solved. It will be very difficult to go for parliamentary elections with these problems," the President said.

"It is essential for us to create a solid foundation for accelerating economic growth and implementing the five-year program," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.