A joint venture for the production of elite footwear may become the first stage of cooperation between "Marko" and "Baldinini S.r.l.".

October 30, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. A joint venture for the production of elite footwear may become the first stage of business relations between the joint limited liability company "Marko" and the Italian company "Baldinini S.r.l.", said the General Director of "Marko" Nikolai Martynov in an interview with a BELTA correspondent. According to him, Italian partners will present a concept for joint activities within two weeks. "Our cooperation can take various forms, and a joint venture for the production of branded products is just the minimum," said Nikolai Martynov. At the initial stage, production may amount to about 150 thousand pairs of shoes of the highest price category per year. It is expected that about 50% of the production volume will be exported, and the rest will be sold in Belarus. According to Nikolai Martynov, marketing research has shown that this is precisely the volume of elite footwear imported into the republic. As the interlocutor noted, the basis of the "Marko" technological park is Italian equipment, which is updated annually, so the enterprise's personnel have a perfect command of modern technologies, and it will not be difficult for them to master the production of "Baldinini S.r.l." branded footwear. The joint limited liability company "Marko" is one of the largest footwear manufacturers in Belarus. According to the results of 9 months of the current year, the growth rate of production volumes was 112%. Sales increased by 2% compared to the same period in 2008. More than 50% of footwear is exported to Russia. The "Marko" enterprise was established in 1991, and it employs over 3,000 people. In addition to footwear production, "Marko" includes enterprises for the production of leather goods and shoe lasts for enterprises in the republic. The company "Baldinini" was founded in 1910 in the city of San Mauro Pascoli (Italy), where its main production facilities are still located. It produces high-quality elite leather footwear of medium and high price categories for men and women, as well as leather accessories. The products are distinguished by their exquisite design and are among the most prestigious in Europe and the world. Baldinini's turnover averages about 50 million euros per year. The company employs over 300 people. 80% of the manufactured products are intended for export. A monobrand sales network "Baldinini" has been established in the CIS and Eastern European markets. -0-