Trade deficit with the east as companies neglect former Soviet Union markets

Exports to former Soviet Union republics reached $2.9 billion in 2002 with a negative foreign trade balance of $2.5 billion, data published by the Economy Ministry showed. Referring to the figures, Elżbieta Bodio from the Ministry said, "The eastern markets are not a monolith, each of the former Soviet Union republics are at a different stage of development. Our largest eastern partner is Russia". Poland has embarked on an ambitious plan to return to these markets. In his comment on the situation, the economic advisor to the President of Poland, Stanisław Ciosek said, "The volume of exports [to the east] is low and remains a neglected factor that might become a driving force for economic growth". (www.onet.pl) J.K.