President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, while visiting the holding “Belkommunmash,” evaluated the appearance and quality of domestic equipment, reports Belta.

Alexander Lukashenko was shown a range of passenger equipment produced by domestic enterprises. Among them electric buses, a trolleybus on autonomous drive. One of the novelties is an 18‑meter electric bus with an accordion – it is currently undergoing trial operation.

The president highlighted the importance of ensuring an unquestionably high quality of the products. “The equipment is beautiful, the design is not bad. When it moves, it is pleasant to watch, but if there is no quality, we cannot have a conversation with you. We have a five‑year quality plan, and this is not just a formality. The equipment must be of high quality,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “We need a quality product. If you see that you cannot do it, better not do it.”

As for exports, it is necessary to fulfill contractual obligations for deliveries promptly and on time. The president was briefed on the decisions being taken, including financial ones, so that the schedule is strictly followed.

Another task is the continuation of work on import substitution of certain components and assemblies. “We are proud and brag everywhere that we are a machine‑building country. So we set tasks and let them be done,” the President said.

He pointed out an important factor – ensuring discipline in production. This directly affects the quality issue. “There should be no talk about discipline at all. The demand for it will be fierce. I am watching this very closely,” the President emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko was briefed on the prospects for the development of the holding “Belkommunmash.” It was noted that the equipment is becoming more complex, and consequently more expensive.

The enterprise works not only for the domestic market but is firmly oriented toward export. Currently, for example, there is a trend of increasing demand for trams. In some years, up to 98 % of the production was supplied to foreign markets. The results of the current year also expect a positive export dynamic.

“No bribes. These are earned money,” the head of state concluded.

The general director of the holding, Mikhail Syanovich, confirmed that this is indeed the case. “We work on Saturdays. On certain sections in three shifts,” he said.

The company produces innovative products, including a three‑section tram car and suburban electric buses. The Belkommunmash holding is also working on a project to introduce a driverless tram.

The head of state reviewed the assembly line and the component base in use. They discussed in detail the production of battery systems for electric transport (whether domestic or imported models are better, and what prospects exist), as well as a number of other devices and equipment. Some components are imported, so Alexander Lukashenko again reminded about import substitution for those items where it is possible. “Everything we can produce must be produced. For you and your associates,” the President set the task.

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Significant progress has already been made. “We have increased our competencies. When you visited us in 2009 (Alexander Lukashenko visited Belkommunmash in January 2009 – note Belta), we were already producing tram cars. But then, to build a tram, we bought a German carriage (the running part of the car – note Belta), which cost 350,000 euros. And we bought German or Polish electrical equipment so that this carriage could operate. Now we have developed a carriage of our own design, produce it, and install it on trams. We also produce the power electronics ourselves,” said the holding’s CEO.

Similarly, the production of domestic engines for trolleybuses and trams has been mastered.

Belarusian public‑transport manufacturers also cooperate with each other. For example, Belkommunmash and the Minsk Automobile Plant are implementing a joint project in which electric equipment produced by Belkommunmash is installed on the chassis of a MAZ vehicle.

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The head of state discussed with government officials and enterprise leaders the current production issues, the implementation of joint programs, and approaches to coordinated work abroad.

Alexander Lukashenko inspected finished tram samples. Among them is a three‑section low‑floor tram car being built for Chelyabinsk, where a hybrid underground‑on‑ground metrotram system is being developed. It combines regular tram tracks with underground tunnels.

The President instructed to take a closer look at this experience in Minsk, to thoroughly study and work out whether it is possible to adapt this technology for domestic needs in metro work with certain modifications. Again, there is potential for import substitution here.

The head of state also expressed his desire to personally test the modern tram technology produced by "Belcommunmash". Moreover, in recent years, not only new rolling stock has been modernized, but also the tram tracks themselves. As a result, traveling on this type of transport is becoming much more comfortable for passengers.

The President said, "I need to ride on such a tram in Minsk somehow. I want to ride on the new line, on new rails on this tram. Because I remember from those Soviet times - I have moved around on trams more than once. They didn't appeal to people (due to noise, difficulties when getting on and off the old high-floor cars, and other similar nuances), but it was a very convenient mode of transport. That's why I want to see what the difference is."