OREANDA-NEWS. On August 30, 2008 President Alexander Lukashenko made a working trip to the town of Soligorsk where he participated in the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the town and the Belaruskali Production Association, reported the Official website http://president.gov.by.

The Head of State handed over an Honorary State Banner of the Republic of Belarus to the Belaruskali Production Association in recognition of the company’s achievements in production and its considerable contribution to boosting Belarus’ economic power.

The President also participated in the opening of the new sports and entertainment complex in Soligorsk. After that Alexander Lukashenko took part in an ice hockey game that took place there between the team of the President of the Republic of Belarus and the team of the United States ice hockey veterans. The game was held as part of the Ice Hockey Festival.
 
When making a speech before the workers of the Belaruskali Production Association, Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that every seventh tonne of potash fertilisers in world is produced at Belruskali. This figure shows that the company is a world leader on the market of potash fertilisers.

The President appreciated the company’s thrifty approach to business which helps it maintain its dynamic growth. In particular, the processing plants are being modernized, equipment used in ore mines is also upgraded; the company is working continuously on improving the quality of its products and boosting exports.

Alexander Lukashenko added that the company would have to accomplish ambitious objectives related to the construction of the Krasnoslobodsky and Berezovsky mines which are scheduled for inauguration in 2009-2012.

“I am confident that you will accomplish these objectives because you realise the importance of these programmes for the country,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “It is amply illustrated by the increasing volume of investment which primary source is the company’s own funds. It also testifies to the efficient management and sound financial footing of the association,” said the President.

Addressing the miners, the Head of State said that their work makes Belarus’ main mineral wealth serve the needs of the Belarusian people. For example, the Belaruskali Production Association’s revenues from the export of its potash fertilisers for the first seven months of 2008 reached USD 2 billion, whereas the company's total revenues for the entire previous year were over USD 1.3 billion.

The President also highlighted the company’s commitment to the development of the agricultural industry: the needs of Belarusian agricultural producers in potash fertilisers are fully met.

Following the meeting with the workers of Belaruskali and residents of Soligorsk, the President considered the current situation and development prospects in the area of sport and tourism in the Minsk Region and Soligorsk. The Head of State was informed on the progress in construction of a sports and entertainment complex in Soligorsk, on the measures taken to improve the town’s amenities and on the current social and economic situation at Belaruskali.