GUS figures show export boom continues to grow aided by weak złoty

According to economists and members of the government, one of the biggest successes of the economy over the past 18 months is the constant increase in exports. The latest figures from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) show that the trend is still strong. During the eight months of 2003, the value of export stood at zł. 125.8 billion, an increase of 19.5% as compared to the same period last year. The main reason for the rising exports is falling domestic demand which forces companies to look to foreign markets. The three largest exporters during the first six months of 2003 were Volkswagen Motor Polska, KGHM Polska Miedź and Fiat Auto Poland. Other factors which influenced the increase in exports was the falling value of złoty, and the poor economic situation in Western Europe, which forced customers to look for cheaper products. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 16) A.K.