VITEBSK, 29 December (BelTA) – In 2009 Vitebsk companies and organizations penetrated the markets of ten new countries thus expanding their sales geography to 52 destinations, Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee Viktor Nikolaikin said at a session of the city council of deputies on 29 December, BelTA has learnt. Over the past four years Vitebsk producers have increased their exports almost 1.5 times. The major trading partners are companies from Russia, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, China; the new export destinations include Australia, Morocco, the Untied Arab Emirates, Israel and South Africa. In January-October 2009 the foreign trade of Vitebsk companies made up $674.7 million; the export amounted to $312.6 million (83.6% as against the same period in 2008), the import $362.1 million (75.8%). In 2010 the export is expected to grow at least 27%. The export will be increased due to the high quality of goods, well-developed distribution network and a clear promotion strategy. “The enterprises and organizations of the city will have to step up their efforts to diversity export and expand sales markets. They also should optimize imports and find ways to switch to local raw materials and component parts,” Viktor Nikolaikin underlined. In line with the social and economic development targets for the year 2010, Vitebsk industrial production is to grow 18%, the production of consumer goods is to increase 17% compared with 2009.