In 2009, Vitebsk enterprises and organizations presented their products on the markets of 10 countries for the first time

December 29, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. In 2009, enterprises and organizations of Vitebsk presented their products on the markets of 10 countries for the first time, expanding the geography of export of Vitebsk goods and products to 52 regions of the world. This was announced by the chairman of the city executive committee Viktor Nikolaikin today at a session of the city council of deputies, a BELTA correspondent reports. Over the past four years, Vitebsk manufacturers have increased their export supplies by almost one and a half times. The main trading partners are enterprises and companies from Russia, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and China, while new export destinations include Australia, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and South Africa. For 10 months of 2009, foreign trade turnover amounted to $674.7 million, including $312.6 million worth of exported goods (83.6% compared to the same period in 2008) and $362.1 million worth of imported goods (75.8%). In 2010, the growth in export supplies is planned to be at least 27%. The basis of exports should be ensured by the high quality of goods, a developed sales system, and clear market positioning. "Enterprises and organizations of the city will have to work more actively to diversify exports and expand sales markets, as well as continue to optimize import purchases and search for solutions to switch to domestic raw materials and components," Viktor Nikolaikin emphasized. In accordance with the forecast of socio-economic development of Vitebsk for 2010, the growth rate of industrial production is planned at 118% compared to 2009, and consumer goods at 117%. -0-