The companies-exporters of the Vitebsk oblast should set up a commodity distribution network in Q1 2009. It was stated by Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets during a joint session of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee and the Presidium of the Vitebsk Oblast Council of Deputies on December 12. According to the Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, there is a need to diversify sales markets, attract big foreign trade networks to sell the goods which are produced in the Vitebsk oblast. The regions have to establish closer cooperation in trade using partnership relations, develop border trade. The producers should reduce production costs as well, the official highlighted during the session. According to Alexander Kosinets, the services industry is not developed enough in the region. In 2009, the Vitebsk oblast intends to increase the export receipts owing to agro-ecotourism, transport, hotel and health-recuperation services. According to the economy department of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, over the ten months 2008, the Vitebsk oblast posted a surplus in goods trade at the amount of $202 million while the target was $480 million.

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