In 2009, the Vitebsk oblast intends to reorganize 19 state-run companies which employ 9,000 people into open joint stock companies, BelTA learnt from Svetlana Lukashevich, deputy director of the Vitebsk regional fund Vitebskoblimuschestvo. The list of the companies includes Vityas, VZEP, Monolit, the Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant, the Novopolotsk Oil Transportation Company Druzhba and others. Taking into consideration the forthcoming reorganization, almost all the companies began preparatory work in 2008. The Vitebskoblimuschestvo Fund organized special workshops for management and staff of the companies which will be reorganized into open joint stock companies. As a result, in January three companies including the Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant and the Les Company held meetings with personnel to discuss their reorganization. In the near future, three companies more are expected to hold similar sessions as well. The reorganization of the companies is held in line with the plan of privatization of state-run property for 2008-2010 issued by the Council of Ministers’ resolution No. 1021 of July 14, 2008. In 2008, the Vitebsk oblast completed in full the programme of reorganization of state-run companies into open joint stock companies. All in all, 14 joint stock companies were set up in the region. The plan of privatization for 2008-2010 includes 52 state-run companies of the Vitebsk oblast.

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