President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes the importance for the country of producing modern domestic forestry machinery. He stated this during his visit to the enterprise "AMKODOR-LESMASH" in Logoysk district, according to BELTA correspondent.

Head of state noted that without appropriate equipment, working in the forest under modern conditions is impossible. "Already with an axe or a 'Druzhba-2' sawmill, no one works. And there's no need. Therefore, without your harvesters, forwarders, nothing we can do there," he said.

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The President emphasized that it is important and also called for improving the quality of products both as a line of forestry machinery and of the AMKODOR holding company as a whole. "I am very confident that you will push AMKODOR up, not down, and results will come," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing General Director of JSC AMKODOR – holding company management – Alexander Efimov.

As for forestry machinery, the enterprise head assured that AMKODOR is ready to close the domestic forestry exploitation need for specialized machines. Including with prospects for increasing volumes, so as to timely clear mature forests, on which the head of state places emphasis.

Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention to the fact that not only internal market needs must be met, but this product should also be exported. For example, to the Russian Federation. "We must work for export. We have somewhere to go. We must help Russians in the forest," he said. The holding director assured the head of state that work is already being carried out in this direction. Interest in AMKODOR forestry machinery exists among several regions of Russia – particularly the Arkhangelsk region.

"We must hurry up, we must work faster. Such a period (complex, hard, but at the same time profitable for us) will not happen again in Belarus history in the foreseeable future. Under no circumstances relax. Because you will take the markets faster than others. And in Belarus must definitely strengthen forest harvesting, – the Belarusian leader emphasized. – We must work fast and work as much as needed."

As reported to Alexander Lukashenko, 52% of the total fleet of forestry equipment consists of machines produced by AMKODOR. By now, the enterprise in Logoyск has reached its design capacity of 120 units of equipment per year. Meanwhile, the average consumption of forestry machines through 2030 is projected at around 100 units annually. Thus, the capacities of AMKODOR-LESMASH allow, in prospect, not only to meet the needs of Belarus's forestry sector but also to supply machines for export.

The president, in this regard, inquired whether the enterprise is operating at full capacity. Alexander Yefimov noted that increasing production in the existing buildings is impossible, but the enterprise has reserves for development through possible expansion of its premises. In further plans: development of its own competencies, expansion of the product range, and completion of bringing all production capacities on stream, raising the annual output volume to 250 machines.

The Belarusian leader asked the Minister of Forestry, Sergey Ul'dinovich — a person who has the most direct connection to the forestry sector and can observe AMKODOR machines directly in operation — about the quality of domestic equipment. "What dissatisfies you here, what is bad?" the head of state clarified. According to the minister, AMKODOR forestry equipment had certain problems, but most of them have been resolved. Moreover, the enterprise works in close cooperation with the organizations of the Ministry of Forestry

The president thoroughly familiarized himself with production at the enterprise and saw samples of the produced goods. The head of state also practically demonstrated the operation of a machine complex – domestic harvester and forwarder.

As they were told, significant work had already been carried out on import substitution at the enterprise, producing domestic components that did not fall short of the best foreign examples. This included the harvester heads – the most expensive and technically demanding unit. This area of work became even more relevant after a number of countries imposed sanctions against Belarus and its enterprises.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded in connection with this about his original demand to officials and enterprise management. "Regarding sanctions, nothing can be said. No conversations! This is a time of opportunities. If we hadn't been squeezed, we wouldn't have them. And if we had, then not during our lifetime. Please – results. Don't want – don't need, we did it ourselves. And if we are a smart engineering country, we must do this, whatever the cost," he emphasized, using the example of mastering production in Belarus by acquiring all necessary equipment for forestry.

The president noted that funds would always be found for such projects in the country. The key was not to miss the opportunity to produce demanded products and secure one's niche in the market. And this applies not only to forestry equipment. "Extra money..."