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VITEBSK, 24 February (BelTA) - In the Year of Enterprise the Marko footwear producer will be working to expand into the European footwear market, BelTA learnt from Nikolai Martynov, the director general of the company, member of the Council of the Republic of the National Republic of Belarus. “We are starting to participate in the Scandinavian exhibitions of footwear and accessories. The first exhibitions showed that there is a demand for our products there. Prospects are huge. We just have to work hard, invest in product promotion,” Nikolai Martynov said. According to him, Marko already sells its footwear in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Two chain stores will be opened in one of these countries this year. Marko will continue cooperation with Russian and Ukrainian partners. Kazakhstan shows a continuous interest in Marko footwear, too. Marko also intends to develop production ties with European companies. Two agreements with Italian design studios are pending coordination. According to Nikolai Martynov, cooperation with European design studios will help meet the demand for high-end footwear and improve the quality of the company’s products. Marko is one of Belarus’ largest footwear producers. It was founded in 1991. The company also produces leather accessories and shoe lasts for local companies. The company operates three factories and employs over 4,000 professionals. In 2010 the output was 3.9 million pairs of shoes. Half of the output is exported.

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