Vitebsk rewards more 90 professionals

The Vitebsk oblast executive committee has awarded an honorary diploma to more than 90 professionals from all regions of the oblast in recognition of their contribution to the socio-economic development of the region and in connection with the 70th anniversary of the Vitebsk oblast. The chairman of the Vitebsk oblast executive committee, Vladimir Andriechneko, presented the award at an official ceremony on January 18. The honorary diploma has been conferred on Vitebsk meat-packing factory, “Agro-company “Yubileiny” (Orsha region), Vitebskenergo energy company, Gorodok PMK-45 construction company, Novolukoml keramzite gravel plant, Marko footwear making factory, Braslavl gymnasium. The awardees also feature more than 90 individuals – specialists of the manufacturing, construction and agricultural industries, socio-cultural sphere, management bodies, veterans and youth. The award ceremony was the first event on to mark the 70th anniversary of founding of the Vitebsk oblast. The Vitebsk oblast was founded on January 15, 1938. In terms of the administrative division it included 20 regions, 311 rural countries, 7 towns, 17 settlements, 4 workers’ settlements. Today the oblast includes 21 regions, 212 rural councils, 23 towns, 24 settlements. For active participation in the guerilla movement, courage and valour during the Great Patriotic War, for the achievements in restoration and development of the national economy the oblast was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1967. The head of state signed a decree to award the Honorary State Banner of the Republic of Belarus to the Vitebsk, Gomel, Minsk and Mogilev oblasts in connection with the 70th anniversary of the founding and for great achievements in the economic development. The Vitebsk oblast is ranked third among Belarus’ seven regions in industrial output. The oblast accounts for 100% of the national output of flax linen and almost the whole country’s manufacture of dolomite powder and also for 60% of metal-cutting tools, around 50% of oil products, more than 40% of electricity, 38% - footwear.