Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the official launch ceremony for the production of animal feed and amino acids at the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation (BNBC) in Pukhovichi District, BelTA has learned.
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Until now, the BNBC operated in the pilot production mode. The production facilities showed good results, including solid financial performance.
The solemn launch ceremony was held at the enterprise in the run-up to 7 November. The symbolic start button was pressed by the head of state, First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, Presidential Aide Aleksandr Kosinets, Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Xie Xiaoyong and BNBC Director General Daniil Uritsky. Attending the launch ceremony were BNBC employees and construction workers.
“Today is a historic day. I am very glad that in this difficult time, in 2022, despite various obstacles and sanctions, we stick to this wonderful tradition related to 7 November. Our country and its people received a wonderful gift of our own making. There is nothing like the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation in Europe or in the post-Soviet space,†Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president noted that the BNBC demonstrates the highest level of relations between Belarus and China. This pertains not only to relations between the two leaders, but also relations between the two governments and specialists who took part in the project development and in the construction of this unique production.
BNBC is a landmark project. It provides for deep processing of grain to obtain essential amino acids. These are highly productive compound feeds and premixes that are in demand around the world, the head of state noted.
“We say that today grain is the new gold in the world. And what our corporation, BNBC, produces is without exaggeration real polished diamonds. It’s hard to believe that until March 2019, when the foundation was laid, there was an open field here.
"Colossal work was done in three and a half years. And today we are inaugurating a whole complex of factories to produce animal feed and amino acids. I emphasize that these production facilities were already tested before the grand opening,†the head of state said.
The phased launch of the production facilities started in December 2021. In July BNBC began to gradually reach full capacity. In January-September, the proceeds from the sale of products, including own products, exceeded $100 million.
“This production will address several important economic tasks. The first one is to provide animal husbandry with the necessary feed and amino acids. This will allow us to minimize imports and increase exports. Second, it will create new jobs. As I am informed, your team has over 1,700 employees already. These are good jobs. And the average salary here is around Br2,000," Lukashenko said.
"It will soon approach Br2,500 – I set this task before the beginning of the construction works. And this is not the limit. The company offers pretty good perks and benefits, there are a lot of vacancies, and although your team is young, they are intelligent, smart and dedicated people.â€
“The main task facing the top management is to ensure stable, efficient operation of this excellent and very promising enterprise, to find partners both in the domestic and foreign markets,†the president added.
“I had a long talk with the head of the National Academy of Sciences and the management of your enterprise. It was very important for me to find out who is ahead here: you, the manufacturers (you are also engaged in scientific work), or the National Academy of Sciences. The debate is not over yet. I think we will continue with it at the Palace of Independence.
"This exchange of experience (industrial science, academic science) will produce a very good effect. Academic science and biotechnology in particular could not develop at an adequate pace in Belarus, because there were no production facilities for that. After such production is launched, I am sure that science will develop by leaps and bounds,†Lukashenko said.
The head of state thanked the large cohesive team of Belarusian and Chinese construction workers, installation workers and power engineers. “I wish you, your amazing team, not to rest on your laurels, to constantly move forward, to achieve new professional heights. You are young, take risks, create! Our beloved Belarus with its wonderful, hardworking people absolutely deserves the best and the most advanced things,†Lukashenko said. ■