VIENNA, November 22. /TASS/. The trade turnover between Russia and Austria soared by almost 56% in nine months of 2018 year-on-year to $4.2 bln, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Austria Alexander Potemkin said on Thursday.

"Solid steps have been made towards strengthening of the trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Austria over the past two years. According to Russia’s customs statistics, the trade turnover between our countries increased by almost 56% in nine months of 2018 year-on-year to $4.2 bln. Among EU countries that are the main trade and economic partners of the Russian Federation with trade turnover exceeding $4 bln, Austria is the first in terms of its growth," he said.

According to Potemkin, in 2018, the Russian-Austrian mutual trade may exceed the highest level of the post-crisis period of $5.1 bln recorded in 2013, and probably can be higher or around the record level of 2008 - $5.4 bln. That growth was achieved thanks to Russia’s export in the first place, he noted. "In first three quarters of 2018, it doubled, while import added almost 18%," the trade envoy said.