The main issue raised at the meeting was ensuring the sustainable development of the region and improving the quality of life of its residents. The President noted that Vitebsk Oblast has all the necessary conditions for accelerated growth, but in a number of areas the region lags far behind other regions. Despite advances in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, housing construction, and increased exports, the efficiency of agriculture, tourism, and forestry remains low. The President expressed bewilderment at the fact that, given the rich forest resources, the region does not develop woodworking and has actually become a supplier of raw materials for other areas. Special attention was paid to the agro-industrial complex of the region.
