Visit to Horizont Holding Company

During his visit to Horizont Holding Company on 31 December, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko officially inaugurated the mass robotic production of artificial intelligence-powered televisions.

The President was told that the modern robotic television factory incorporates cutting-edge technology and employs highly trained specialists. Horizont Holding Company encompasses 17 enterprises and, by the end of the recent five-year period, has achieved a threefold increase in both production volume and revenue, alongside strong export performance. Concurrently, the holding company supports important social infrastructure, including preschool, healthcare, and sports facilities.

"Thank you for your social stewardship," the head of state remarked. "There was such a trend in Belarus when everyone sought to get rid of social responsibilities saying that these are non-core assets and they should be given away," the President said.

Addressing Director General of Horizont Holding Company Yuri Predko, the head of state added: "It's great that you have preserved all of this. This is a significant burden, it's like running a huge 'workshop.' This is a good example of how important it is to preserve it."

The director general noted that for the next five-year period, the enterprise aims to grow production by 36%, expand exports by almost 40%, improve labor productivity by nearly 50%, and raise the average salary by 37%.

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why he decided to visit Horizont Holding Company on New Year's Eve.

"They presented me with options. I said: 'I will go to the future.' You are the future of the country. Enterprises like this are the future of the country," Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. "Certainly, we'll raise the bar for you and for others. We'll bring them here to see firsthand the path the country is taking. Honestly, what you're telling me today is hard to fully grasp, it's so unique and groundbreaking."

The President assured that the government will support enterprises like Horizont. "We will spare no expense on promising projects you will be running. This is a symbolic visit that is meant to demonstrate that you are at the forefront of our industrial production. And we will rely on people like you," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

In this context, Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted the trend toward high technology and artificial intelligence, which Belarus must follow. "Perhaps we, including your director general, would wish to slow down time so that humans remain central to this production process. But progress cannot be halted. If we slow down, if we pause with this artificial intelligence, other countries will surge ahead while we fall behind. At present, however, we are at the forefront," he stated.

"The world is advancing, and you have not lost your direction. You are following the trend, as young people say nowadays. This momentum must not be lost, it is the future. But it is preferable that you do all of this on your own," the Belarusian leader added.

The head of state also noted that Horizont and all the enterprises within the holding company are showing strong economic results. "We will assist you in every way possible. Because if we invest a ruble, we'll get ten rubles back. It will benefit both you and the state," he added.

As one example of a promising and important development by H Holding, the President cited an automated milking machine based on a robotic arm with elements of artificial intelligence, a model of which was shown to him. "Everyone loves dairy products, from cheese curds to ice cream. And all of this comes from milk. This is about food security," Aleksandr Lukashenko explained.