Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko called for a clear development strategy for the nation's engine manufacturing industry during his visit to Zhitkovichi Engine-Building Plant, which is part of Minsk Motor Plant, on 7 November, BelTA has learned.
“I've been planning to come to the motor plant to see what has been accomplished. We need a clear perspective. We will develop the motor plant. It’s unacceptable for a machinery-building country like ours, which produces all kinds of vehicles from cars to BelAZ trucks, to sometimes source the core components [engines] from all over the world. We must produce our own. We need to partner with those who have the technology and develop our own capabilities,” the head of state said.
The president was presented with a product line that utilizes components manufactured at the Zhitkovichi plant. This includes engines, diesel generators, compressor equipment, and pump units. The latter, for instance, can be used for irrigation systems in agriculture. “This has huge potential. So much water flows into the Black Sea, while we are now seeing the emergence of drought-prone regions. This is very much needed. I've already tried it out myself,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president was also shown various parts essential for engine manufacturing. A disassembled motorcycle engine used by MotoVeloZavod in Minsk. Work is currently underway to fully cast all aluminum components within Belarus and, ultimately, to produce a fully domestic engine. The head of state agreed on the need to produce a local product so that “the heart of the motorcycle was Belarusian”. “It has to work properly. If we see a prospect, we will support these projects,” the Belarusian leader said.
He also instructed the management to gradually bring the plant's large territory into proper order, while emphasizing that the top priority remains investing in core production. The president was briefed that the plant utilizes not only new, modern machine tools but has also refurbished older ones, which remain in demand.
Zhitkovichi Engine-Building Plant is currently developing modern production lines for gear pumps, parts, and components for diesel engines and agricultural machinery.
While at the enterprise, the president also mentioned the tasks of improving efficiency and developing agriculture, which is particularly relevant for Gomel Oblast and a number of its districts. “We need to boost production, especially in agriculture. We have everything for agriculture. And the products will be in demand. It’s not like with this metal when everyone produces these engines and competition is tough… People in the world must be fed. And today, they are prepared to pay, to sacrifice everything, to make sure everyone is fed. That’s why we cannot afford to lose this capability,” Aleksandr Lukashenko told Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko.