On February 8, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The territory of the "Vitebsk" Free Economic Zone (FEZ) will expand by 81 hectares in 2012, the FEZ administration informed a BELTA correspondent. The expansion of the FEZ is due to the inclusion of the territories of Vitebsk Open Joint-Stock Company "KIM" (11.8 hectares) and the Republican Unitary Production and Trade Enterprise "Orsha Linen Mill" (Sector No. 13 in Orsha with a total area of 46.8 hectares), which were registered as residents of the "Vitebsk" FEZ last year. In addition, it is planned to register Open Joint-Stock Company "Zavod "Legmash" (Orsha) as a resident this year, the territory of which (23.1 hectares) will also become part of the FEZ. The inclusion of these enterprises' land plots within the boundaries of the "Vitebsk" FEZ will create additional opportunities for attracting and developing investments for the reconstruction, modernization, and technical re-equipment of existing production facilities, will contribute to the production of innovative and import-substituting products, an increase in export potential, job creation, and will also allow for the involvement of unused production areas into economic circulation. Currently, the territory of the "Vitebsk" FEZ is 2103.8 hectares and consists of twelve sectors, seven of which are located in Vitebsk and Vitebsk District, three in Orsha District, and one in Postavy. The "Vitebsk" FEZ was established in August 1999. More than 60% of the FEZ residents are joint and foreign enterprises established with the participation of investors from various countries, including Germany, Poland, the USA, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Russia, Canada, Holland, and Israel. The industrial potential of the FEZ is based on enterprises operating in the fields of mechanical engineering, woodworking, food, chemical, fuel, and light industries. As of January 1, 2012, 61 residents were registered in the "Vitebsk" Free Economic Zone. -0-

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