Region
09.02.2006
In 2005 the foreign trade of Gomel oblast made USD 5,04 billion and grew by 12.4 per cent against 2004. As BelTA was informed in the foreign economic department of the Gomel oblast executive committee, Gomel oblast achieved such high results for the first time.
The foreign trade turnover grew first of all due to an increase of exports – 26.5 per cent (USD3,43 billion). Imports fell by 10 per cent in 2005. As a result, for the first time in its history the oblast had trade surplus of USD 1,82 billion.
Gomel oblast has been trading most dynamically with the countries outside the CIS. Trade turnover with these countries race up by 37.7 per cent to USD 2,84 billion. Export growth rate (41 per cent from 2004) has significantly surpassed the import growth rate.
Last year the oblast mainly exported oil products, ferrous metals and foods made of them and also food and raw materials for its production.
Last year Gomel oblast maintained export-import operations with 94 countries. Main trading partners were Russia, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland which account for 70 per cent of the trade turnover.