Region

For first time trade surplus of Gomel oblast exceeds USD two billion

In January-September 2006 the foreign trade of Gomel oblast made USD 4,36 billion and grew by 14 per cent compared to the analogous period of 2005. Exports increased by 22.3 per cent to USD 3,22 billion; imports fell by 4.5 per cent and made USD 1,13 billion, BelTA was told in the department of foreign economic links of the Gomel oblast executive committee. Thus, trade surplus of the region exceeded USD two billion for the first time. According to the department of foreign economic links, exports increased due to the growth of supplies of oil products, ferrous metals and goods made of them, machines and equipment, dairy produce and eggs. At the same time purchases of oil and oil products fell. The main trade economic partners of the region are as follows: Russia (accounts for more than 30 per cent of the total foreign trade), the Netherlands – 21 per cent, Germany – over 10 per cent and Poland – about 8 per cent. Since the beginning of the year economic entities of Gomel oblast have been performing foreign trade operations with almost 100 countries. Gomel oblast accounts for 22 per cent of the total export volume of the Republic of Belarus.