An increase in the average monthly salary by 15% is projected for 2010 in the Vitebsk region

December 10, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The average monthly wage in the Vitebsk region in 2010 is projected to exceed Br1 million and will increase by 15%, said Oleg Matskevich, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, today at a meeting of the Presidium of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies and the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, presenting the region's socio-economic development forecast for 2010, according to a BELTA correspondent. Wage growth will be ensured by the outpacing growth of labor productivity in economic sectors. In 2010, the number of employed in the region's economy will reach 582 thousand people, and the unemployment rate is projected to be within 1.4-1.6% of the economically active population. The main tasks for the region's enterprises next year will be to improve the quality and competitiveness of products, expand export supplies, and search for new sales markets. For example, Dolomit OJSC plans to implement four investment projects, including the construction of a technological line for the production of mineral powder for the glass industry. Orsha Linen Mill will continue its technical modernization, which will reduce the wear and tear of fixed production assets to 43.7% in 2011, compared to 87.9% in 2008. Dairy industry enterprises intend to allocate more than Br157 billion for retooling. According to the results of 2010, the growth rate of industrial production at comparable prices is projected at 112%-114%, and consumer goods - 114%-115%. The growth rates of exports, imports, and the foreign trade balance for communal property enterprises are set at 124%, 116%, and "plus" $75 million, respectively. In particular, milk processing enterprises plan to increase exports to the markets of Syria, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and India. The draft forecast for the socio-economic development of the Vitebsk region for 2010 will be submitted for consideration at the session of the Regional Council of Deputies on December 18. -0-