Poland intends to stabilize its trade turnover with Uzbekistan, which has fallen by more than 30%, this year. One of the reasons for the reduction in bilateral trade between the two countries is the delivery difficulty caused by sanctions imposed by Russia. Poland is now seeking an alternative route, including through the Caucasus, Sputnik Uzbekistan reports, citing a source in a foreign diplomatic mission.

According to him, the volume of trade between the two countries has fallen by 20%, compared with 2014. According to the latest data, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to about USD 113.5 million during the first 10 months of 2015. Thus, Polish exports to Uzbekistan have reduced by 20% and its imports from the country by 23%.

"The main problem is that the fall of the trade turnover between our countries was due to external factors, including the worldwide drop in demand, the decline in the volumes of trade and investment, as well as the difficulty of delivery of a number of goods due to the embargo. Based on the current situation, this year we intend to build on the practical results that have been achievement in the development of bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Polish and Uzbek companies," the source said.

The Polish side believes that one of the ways of resolving this issue is establishment of a transit route that bypasses Russia.

"There is a bypass routes through the Caucasus and Turkmenistan, but it is still necessary to think about how to make the use of this route more profitable. For example, transportation of perishable goods such as dairy products, fruits, and other foods through it is not necessary because transport through this route takes 30 or even 40 days. However, other kinds of goods from Poland, such as building materials or equipment, can, at first glance, be transported on a bypass route because this will enable us to stabilize bilateral trade," the source said.

This year, the Polish side intends to organize a visit to Uzbekistan for its business mission, which could participate in international exhibitions, and seminars, and contact exchanges.

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Polish exports to Uzbekistan are dominated by cattle (more than 30% of total exports), chemicals (24%), and machinery and equipment (about 17%).

Imports from Uzbekistan to Poland are dominated by cotton, products of its primary processing, and textiles (over 50% of total imports), followed by chemical products (more than 22%), and mineral products (about 19%).