OREANDA-NEWS. On June 07, 2007 the President of Belarus has approved a State Programme for Developing Regions, Small and Medium Urban Communities in 2007-2010. The press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA, the head of state signed the corresponding decree, reported the press-centre of  Gomelinvest.

Covering 187 communities, the programme is meant to accomplish around 1,000 investment projects, including 195 top-priority ones, to create over 19,000 new jobs, decrease unemployment rate down to 1% and improve living standards of Belarusians.

With a view to reaching the goals, state support will be extended to economic entities, raising their competitive ability, promoting an environment favourable for small businesses.

Around Br2 trillion will be spent to accomplish the programme, with the state budget apportioning a quarter of the sum.

Simultaneously the head of state signed decree No. 266 giving more authority to oblast administrations for providing privileges to state and private economic entities, including privileges given as local budgets’ guarantees for bank loans.

The steps have created a comprehensive legal system, which allows accomplishing one of the top priorities of the national social and economic development in the next few years.

Within the current five-year plan the central government together with local authorities will work out specific measures to be taken to accomplish the State Programme for Developing Regions, Small and Medium Urban Communities in 2007-2010.