SHKLOV, 6 July (BelTA) – National interests must be observed unwaveringly when foreign investment projects are implemented in Belarus, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told residents of the town of Shklov on 6 July. In particular, the conversation touched upon several investment projects, including agricultural ones, which are being implemented in Shklov District. The head of state confirmed that his views had not changed: an investor that operates in Belarus must meet his or her commitments while the cooperation itself has to be profitable for the investor and the state. “Our interests must be observed faultlessly,” the Belarusian leader clearly stated. The President also took a live interest in the development of the district’s production sector, in particular, paper production. According to the local administration, the newsprint mill operates steadily. The paper mill Spartak is mastering the designed capacity well. There are plans to further advance the industry in the district. The conversation touched upon agricultural products and their sales on home and foreign markets. Alexander Lukashenko said: “There is enough of everything now. Products should be transported to meet demand to be sold at a high price in order to secure normal salaries for the people”. Mogilev Oblast Governor Piotr Rudnik said at present the average salary in the oblast exceeds Br3.2 million. There are plans to raise it up to the equivalent of $500 by the end of the year. Alexander Lukashenko warned once again that higher salaries must be accompanied by better labor productivity and performance of enterprises. “Nobody is going to give or print easy money for you,” said the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko also took a live interest in problems of local residents. Changing his itinerary, Alexander Lukashenko took a walk along a central street in Shklov, approaching and talking to people not far from the rebuilt bridge. The head of state also dropped in at a local food store to get familiar with the available product choice. This evening the head of state is expected to visit the traditional celebration Kupalye (Alexandria Gathers Friends). A show “Slavonic round dance on Kupalye” by artists of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine will be one of the central events during the celebration.

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