Belarus’ woodworking enterprises should boost exports

The enterprises of the Belarusian woodworking industry should step up their exports, said Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky as he visited Bobruisk-based Fandok company which hosted the meeting on the development of the woodworking industry. “We have learnt to manufacture high-quality products, but what matters most now is to produce as much as we can and should export,” Sergei Sidorsky underlined. He added that the companies should promote their exports not only on the markets where they have already occupied their niche (Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan), but also on the markets of the European countries.

To do that, the Belarusian products have to be competitive in terms of price and quality, the Premier added.

Sergei Sidorsky pointed out that in the conditions of the global financial crisis the similar productions in other countries, including the Baltic states, are faltering. The products of Belarusian woodworking enterprises are in great demand in the EU countries. He took Fandok as the example. Fandok is successfully working with major international companies and sells its products worldwide – from children’s furniture to ready sets of economy class bedroom furniture. Fandok cooperates with the Swedish IKEA which markets the products of the Belarusian enterprise worldwide.

“The example of Fandok is very important for other enterprises of the industry. At present the woodworking enterprises are experiencing difficulties selling their products,” Sergei Sidorsky said. “Why cannot we set up a similar company? We just do not want to. Though we have to learn how to do that, and learn fast, as the time is running out,” the Prime Minister underlined.

The head of government reminded that a set of measures was adopted by the government to correct the work of the key enterprises. “We are actively working with the enterprises of all the branches of our economy. Our objective this year is to focus on sub-branches,” he said.

Fandok was founded in 1994 on the basis of Bobruiskdrev that was set up in 1929. Fandok is among the leaders of the domestic woodworking industry. The company produces and sells sawn timber, plywood, solid wood glued boards, blockboards and furniture. The company’s products are mainly manufactured from local raw materials. Plywood accounts for 70% of its exports, furniture 26%. The major foreign markets are Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Germany, Italy, Austria, France, and Sweden.