SMOLENSK, 21 October (BelTA) - More than 150 companies of Vitebsk Oblast have their offices in Smolensk Oblast, informed the chief of staff of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Alexei Matyushko prior to the signing of the plan of action to the agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation for the next year between the administration of Smolensk Oblast (Russian Federation) and the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee (Republic of Belarus). Most successful on the Russian market are Belwest, Vitebsk Carpets company, Marko, KIS, Allianceplast, Energokomplekt, Vitebsk broiler factory, Vitkonprodukt. Enterprises affiliated with Meat and Dairy Products Concern cooperate closely with 19 companies of Smolensk Oblast. Considering the proximity of and close contacts with Smolensk Oblast, Vitebsk supplies the neighboring market with mineral and drinking water, medicines, veterinary medicines, door and window blocks, bread, potatoes, canned vegetables. However, there is a need to change the structure of supply as Smolensk companies are more oriented towards semi-finished products: chilled meat and milk, flax fiber, butane, said Alexei Matyushko. He did not rule out increasing exports of construction services, but noted that there have been negative examples of delayed payments by Smolensk customers for delivered building materials and services provided as part of the Russian federal programs. In January-August 2011 foreign trade between Vitebsk and Smolensk regions amounted to $151.2 million (up 26%). Exports reached $100.9 million (up 18%), imports $50.4 million (up 45%). For the past decade trade between Smolensk and Vitebsk oblasts has increased six times. In terms of trade and exports, Smolensk Oblast is one of the three major trading partners of Vitebsk Oblast in Russia, after Moscow and Moscow region. Food products account for 32% of the total export of Vitebsk Oblast to Smolensk Oblast. Meat and dairy products are in the highest demand.

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