ElitExpert continues a series of interviews with people who have become laureates National rating of influence "Elite of Ukraine"-2021. Today's interlocutor of the agency is Vladimir Bereznyak, former head of MTP "Yuzhny", for a long time he held the position of general director of the state-owned enterprise "Kulindorovsky kombinat hleboproduktov", included in the list of strategic for the economy of the Odesa region.
— Vladimir Nikolayevich, you are now an adviser to the new management of the plant, an adviser to the governor of the Odesa region...
— Yes, and this allows you to rationally transfer all your many years of experience, to use it for the benefit of the enterprise. This same experience helps in the status of adviser to the head of the Odesa Regional State Administration to solve problems related to ensuring the food security of the region. After all, I am also a member of the board of the State Reserve... In general, everything I do today is applied constructive work that gives me the opportunity to use a wide range of my abilities and experience.
— Regarding experience... The authorities in Ukraine are often criticized for their lack of professionalism and management skills.
— And in many spheres this is indeed often the case. Managers who do not have experience in managing people, who do not know the specifics of their industry, are appointed. And why they don't know how - because, speaking in Odessa, they don't have "chuyka". It is impossible to make global plans, to predict something, if you do not understand anything in your business. For example, I am well versed in the grain industry, in the marine industry, but this does not mean that I can now give advice on how to build spaceships. You need to be a professional in every business you do.
— And in general, what is the situation with grain production in the region today, at what level is it, what problems does it face?
— "Kulindorovsky kombinat hleboproduktov" is a state-owned enterprise included in the State Reserve system. But unfortunately, when faced with problems, we have to work according to the principle: "the salvation of the drowning is the work of the hands of the drowning themselves." If we relied only on the state to solve economic, logistical, and administrative issues, things would be much worse.
So, for the past few years, the plant was in difficult economic conditions, there was a crop failure in the region caused by drought. But, as they say, "there is no bad without good." This pushed us to the need to rebuild part of our business processes, quickly adapt to the changed external conditions, preserved the economic potential of the enterprise, and most importantly - the team. This, in turn, made it possible to receive 2021 tons of grain during the 62 harvest, which is already quite a serious volume.
Kulindorovsky KHP is a reliable partner for agricultural producers who store their grain at the plant, which is confirmed by our long-term business relations. Their confidence in the fact that the combine will ensure full quality preservation of grain allows them not to sell grain immediately, but to accumulate it, waiting for a more favorable price situation. For example, at the beginning of the harvest, harvesting of wheat, its cost per ton can be 6 thousand hryvnias, and a little later, by the spring, already 10 thousand. And the one who shows wisdom and endurance does not sell right away, he wins in the end.
In general, the situation in the production sector is such that "social competition" is often arranged on the topic of who has more problems - private or state enterprises. Because loud statements about "protection of the Ukrainian producer" - so far, in most cases, turn out to be just words.
On the other hand, many people in power really want to ease business problems, implement tax amnesty, remove bureaucracy, etc. - but in the end, as Chernomyrdin said, "we wanted as best as possible, but it turned out as usual." I think the state could solve some of the serious economic issues simply by adopting a law on official lobbying, which has been talked about for many years. Then it would be much easier to work, there would be clear, open and equal rules for everyone, but today lobbyists also exist, but they do their work quietly, "under a blanket." This sphere is completely unregulated and unscheduled, so when problems or economic disputes arise, some officials or business groups have the exclusive opportunity to "solve" the issue to their own advantage.
— You became a laureate of the National rating of influence "Elite of Ukraine". What does "elitism" mean to you?
— I refer to the elite, first of all, intelligent, educated, decent people, true professionals in their field. This is someone who, occupying high positions and having the opportunity to influence the adoption of many decisions, does it for the good of the state. I can say that I was lucky, because in my environment there are many such people - businessmen, industrialists, economists - experienced professionals with a state mentality, who pull their strings under any power. They are the real elite, and the main quality that unites all of them is fundamentality.
Interviewed by Elena Ovchinnikova
Photo: Sergey Lyashonok
