President of Belarus sums up preliminary results of ambitious wood industry modernization program

18 июня 2015

Andrei Krivosheev: Let's start today with a large meeting with the President. The problems faced by the wood sphere were unfortunately delayed. The situation is not simple - markets fell, besides there is high indebtedness. The Head of State urged for effective measures to improve the wood industry, create a new efficient economy, comfortable and natural for the country. The world-class technology is available and being implemented: from eco-friendly to luxury design furniture.

Leonid Makarevich, director of wood factory "Rechitsadrev": "The production is very popular with furniture manufacturers and we now already have orders for a few months in advance. "

The main problem to Rechitsa and the industry as a whole have been caused by the world prices.

It is necessary to respond to the global decline of our competitors. Canada goes to an expensive elite segment of eco-plywood and paper. The States shut their markets, and take advantage of weak dollar. Finland freezes or even stops production. Sweden and Norway are betting on specialization and retention of the traditional markets of Britain, Germany, Holland and Italy.

It is clear that the markets have fallen, competitors are quicker than us. But this is just excuses, which are not currently accepted. Those who think in similar categories, simply do not feel the situation. Therefore, let us not search for external causes, and analyze the real situation, and solutions to problems. We live in the conditions in which we live. We can not allow self-deception and shifting solutions for the future.

Andrei Kobyakov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus: "Woodworking enterprises sent 32% of the total volume of output to foreign countries. For comparison, in 2012 this figure barely exceeded 20%. It is necessary to look for new approaches. We have become a regional player. We need competent marketing, and promotion of cooperation. "

Specific measures to develop the sector are being prepared by the bankers and financiers, the State Control Committee and Presidential Administration. Among the solutions there are active import substitution and the development of domestic demand in eco-friendly and natural construction and decoration.

Business plans must be individualized and based on markets and financial conditions.

Nikolai Snopkov, Deputy Head of Presidential Administration: "Full load of enterprises of pulp and paper industry will allow processing only half of the wood cut in the country."