Positive balance of foreign trade till 2010 end could reach USD 1.8 billion, Deputy Economics Minister Valeriy Muntiyan told a press conference.

"According to our forecast, it (surplus) is positive somewhere in the vicinity of USD 1.8 billion. We expect an increase in foreign trade turnover approximately at 14%. Of which, exports - of 15% and imports - of about 12%, Muntiyan has said. He stressed that this is an optimistic forecast.

According to the State Statistics Committee, negative trade balance for January-May 2010 amounted to USD 2.100 billion, USD 190 million less against the same period of 2009.