MINSK, 15 September (BelTA) – In January-July 2009, the Minsk oblast traded with 126 countries, BelTA learnt from the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee. In the period under review, the Minsk oblast exported goods to 90 countries and imported products from 114 countries. The main trade partners of the Minsk oblast were the Russian Federation (33.5% of the total trade), Brazil (10.7%), India (6.8%), Ukraine (6.6%), Germany (6.5%), the Netherlands (3.9%), Poland (2.4%) and China (3.4%). All in all, over the seven months this year, the foreign trade (without oil and petroleum products) made up around $3103 million. The Minsk oblast exported goods at the amount of more than $1724 million, imported goods at the amount of $1379 million. The Minsk oblast posted a surplus in foreign trade at the amount of $344.8 million. The region exported chemical products (42.9% of the total export) including potash fertilisers (40.3%), mineral products (15.7%), animal products (8.9%), transport vehicles (8.1%) and others. The main exporters of the Minsk oblast are Belaruskalii, BelAZ, the Borisov-based Autohydrousilitel Plant, the Borisov-based Motor-and-Tractor Electric Equipment Plant, the Gorodeya Sugar Mill, the Slutsk Cheese Factory. According to specialists of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee, over the recent years, the promotion of the Minsk oblast-produced products on the foreign markets has been carried out due to developing the commodity distribution network in foreign countries. All in all, the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee concluded 65 contracts and cooperation agreements including 16 contracts and agreements with Ukraine’s regions, 37 – with Russia’s regions and also with China, Vietnam, Norway, Bulgaria, Austria and Poland.

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