Bellesbumprom urged to step up sales efforts

– Bellesbumprom Concern and marketing divisions of the subordinate companies that implement investment projects in innovative product manufacturing should intensify efforts in searching for new markets, Belarusian PM Mikhail Myasnikovich said at the meeting in Rechitsa on 27 November to discuss the situation at the country’s two biggest furniture makers Rechitsadrev and Gomeldrev. The Belarusian head of government is on a working trip in Gomel Oblast, BelTA has learnt.

The meeting was held following the instructions of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, according to which the Prime Minister should take a personal look at all the issues related to the implementation of investment projects at the companies of the woodworking industry and report to the head of state on the state of affairs by 10 December 2013. He is also expected to introduce the relevant proposals and provide a personnel audit.

The head of government noted that today’s task is not only to complete the ongoing projects and launch new manufacturing but also sell new products at a profit. “We should extensively work on cost reduction and market optimization. It is good that the main markets of Bellesbumprom Concern are in Russia, but it is insufficient today,” he stressed. Besides, Mikhail Myasnikovich requested information on the efficiency of the concern’s companies, including their capability to pay off loans taken for upgrading projects. “It is quite a big sum – a total of €1.3 billion for nine companies. No other industry has seen such big investment in production recently,” he said.

As for the information provided on the commissioning of new production lines at Rechitsadrev and Gomeldrev, the Premier expressed his concerns about the timely commissioning of new facilities at Gomeldrev. “Construction preparedness is high, but installation works are still in an infant state while the facility is due to be ready in six-month time,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

The meeting considered a number of other issues related to the implementation of investment projects at the company’s woodworking companies. Reports were presented by representatives of the Economy Ministry, Belarusbank, the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee, and heads of the woodworking companies of Gomel Oblast.