Klaudia Paskudzka

The aim of this study is to analyze and assess the development of trade in agri-food products between Poland and the Czech Republic in 2014-2023. The study focuses on the identification of key product groups, analysis of the competitiveness of Polish exports and the impact of non-tariff barriers on trade dynamics. The study uses basic methods of statistical analysis, relying on data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The analysis covers both the scale of trade turnover and its structure, taking into account the main determinants of trade, such as regulatory policy, consumer preferences and Poland's integration with the European Union. The most important conclusions indicate a dynamic growth of Polish agri-food exports to the Czech Republic, especially in the poultry meat, dairy and pork sectors. Despite the tightening of administrative requirements in the Czech Republic after 2016, Poland has maintained its competitiveness through flexible adaptation strategies and the use of cost advantages. Key implications include the need to further diversify exports, analyzing the impact of EU trade policy on bilateral trade and monitoring potential regulatory risks. The results obtained can provide a basis for further research on the adaptation mechanisms of Polish exporters in the face of a changing market environment and for the formulation of trade policy recommendations.

The article provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the sustainable competitiveness of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, focusing on the economic aspects of sustainable production. The study utilizes the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI), based on 190 measurable and comparable quantitative indicators, categorized into dimensions such as Natural Capital, Social Capital, Intellectual Capital, Resource Efficiency, Economic Sustainability, and Governance Performance. The analysis reveals that all Visegrad Group countries have made significant progress in integrating sustainability principles into their policies and economic practices from 2013 to 2023, although differences in the intensity of these changes are noticeable. The Czech Republic has shown the highest growth dynamics in the GSCI, while Hungary recorded the lowest index values. Furthermore, the article highlights how updates and revisions to the sustainable competitiveness model, including the integration of new indicators and methodological improvements, have contributed to better reflecting the countries' performance in sustainability. In conclusion, the analysis underscores that the Visegrad Group countries are committed to promoting sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social progress, despite challenges such as economic disparities and environmental degradation.