GOMEL, 18 February (BelTA) – In 2020 companies residing in the free economic zone (FEZ) Gomel-Raton increased the output of industrial products and services by 13.1% in comparison with 2019, the FEZ Gomel-Raton administration told BelTA.
According to the source, their industrial output amounted to Br4 billion in effective prices, 13.1% up from 2019. FEZ Gomel-Raton's share in Gomel Oblast's output exceeded 18%.
As much as $109 million in foreign direct investment was raised in FEZ Gomel-Raton in 2020 for the sake of implementing investment projects. The figure represents 47.5% of Gomel Oblast's total. Fixed-capital investments of FEZ Gomel-Raton resident companies amounted to Br294.7 million, 145.3% as against 2019.
FEZ Gomel-Raton resident companies export most of the output. Last year's merchandise export exceeded $1.1 billion, with the goods shipped to 63 countries across the globe. The top target markets are Russia (48.1%), Ukraine (18.6%), Poland (7.8%), China (6.1%), and Lithuania (6.6%).
In 2020 foreign merchandise trade amounted to $1.7 billion, with FEZ Gomel-Raton's surplus at $617.5 million.
As of 1 January 2021 FEZ Gomel-Raton was home to 70 commercial entities, including 32 companies with a share of foreign capital from 16 countries.
The average staff number of the resident companies stands at 29,188 people. Last year the companies hired 703 people for new jobs. The salary averaged at Br1,187 (115.5% as against 2019 in 2020.
