Region

VITEBSK, 17 February (BelTA) – In 2010 the export of Vitebsk Oblast (oil and oil products not included) rose 32% over 2009 to $1.5 billion, the import increased 18% to $1 billion. The foreign trade surplus totaled $500 million, Deputy Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Konstantin Cherny told a briefing to review the foreign economic activity of the region in 2010, BelTA has learnt. The growth of export is attributed to the increase in the supplies of ethylene, fiberglass, flax fiber, cable and synthetic fiber, acids as well as meat and dairy products. The export of companies without departmental affiliation accounts for over 20% of the oblast’s export. Vitebsk Oblast exports clothing, footwear, cable, garments and knitwear. The FEZ Vitebsk greatly contributes to the expansion of foreign trade. The free economic zone raises investments in innovations, science-intensive and high-tech industries. The FEZ Vitebsk resident companies make up over 8% of the export of Vitebsk Oblast. The region maintained trade and economic relations with 100 countries worldwide in 2010. The major trading partners include Ukraine, Kazakhstan, China, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Russia. Russia accounts for 70.5% of the total trade. “Over the last two years we managed to penetrate new markets and ease our reliance on one sales market. We will proceed in the same way,” Konstantin Cherny said. The oblast can boast the increase in the export of tourist, educational, recreation and business services. These areas possess a huge potential which should be utilized in full as soon as possible, Konstantin Cherny added.

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