Lukashenko convenes meeting to discuss tobacco industry

The head of state recalled how acute the problem of production and sale of such products was in the early 2000s. “Then a number of decisions were taken to support the tobacco industry. They made it possible to load the production capacity and get the corresponding revenues to the budget,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

An investment project was implemented six years ago to launch a specialized non-government sales network for tobacco products and boost exports. 

“Moreover, we have found ways to offset the effects of sanctions and provide ourselves with raw materials and supplies,” the president stressed.

The tobacco industry still remains a major source of budget revenues, making up Br2.5 billion in late 2023.

“That was yesterday, however. Today's trends are alarming,” the head of state said. Aleksandr Lukashenko asked the participants of the meeting whether there were some serious problems or it was just someone stirring up the situation.

According to the president, reasons can differ, but there is a need for additional measures to preserve the maximally possible volumes of production and export to meet the interests of the state and its labor collectives.

In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed a number of questions to those present at the meeting. The head of state was interested in the operation of Grodno Tobacco Factory and other tobacco production facilities, inquired about opportunities to secure effective operation and development. He also asked whether all the reserves have been utilized to ensure efficient work of the tobacco industry in general. The president also showed interest in the current situation with exports and the situation on the domestic market.

At the end of his opening remarks, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he was ready to listen to proposals from the government and all those present to improve the production and sale of tobacco products. According to the president, it is inadmissible to “complain that the market has narrowed, and that something is lacking there”.