OREANDA-NEWS. October 3, 2008. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko arrived in the Gomel oblast on a working visit to survey the development of the glass industry and social and economic development of the region.

The Head of State will make a tour of the Gomel glass container plant. At a session afterwards the President will be reported about the results of the production upgrade and development prospects of these enterprises and the choice of investors.

A glass industry development programme was approved in May 2006. In 2006-2007 ten investment projects stipulated in the programme were completed. Six projects are currently underway; three of them are slated for completion in 2008. Most important investment projects including the one by ATEC GmbH are lagging behind the schedule.

The glass industry of Belarus comprises 18 companies. The industry employs more than 11,000 people. In January-August this year the glass production was up 7.2% over the same period last year. The growth in 2008 is projected at 12%. The financial situation at the enterprises of the industry is stable. No losses have been reported this year. In January-July 2008, profitability of sold products reached 12.7%.

For the past several years the glass industry of Belarus has been export-oriented. Around 50% of the output is exported.

Gomelsteklo makes polished glass, double glass, hardened glass and cellular glass. The company employs 3,400 professionals. The wages average Br988,900.

The Gomel glass container plant makes glass containers. The plant employs 245 people.