Author: Yelena L. Andreeva, Dr. Sc. (Ec.), Prof., Head of the Centre for Regional Comparative Research; Artyom V. Ratner, Cand. Sc. (Ec.), Jr. researcher; Viktoriya V. Zakharova, postgraduate

Abstract: The article analyzes Sverdlovsk oblast’s foreign trade with traditionally organized integration associations (the EU, NAFTA) and with the groups of countries representing a new type of integration processes (SCO, BRIC(S)). It is proved the development of foreign trade relations with new groups of countries may become an incentive for modernization of foreign economic potential of the region.

Key words: foreign trade relations; integration processes; the EU; NAFTA; SCO; BRIC(S); region of Russia.