Controversial bill to simplify investment assistance making progress

"Nobody will deny that also today there are grants provided to investors in different forms. The regulation will allow for civilizing the procedure and make this form of incentives far more transparent," said Krzysztof Krystowski, undersecretary in the Economy Ministry. After EU accession, Poland cannot grant state subsidies without the consent of the European Commission. Today grants are provided with only a part of multi-annual programs for a given investor. "Receiving the permission takes from 7 to 18 months. Over this period investors lose patience," said Krystowski. The bill is arousing controversies, as on one hand it will encourage foreign enterprises to i nvest in Poland, but on the other hand it puts a burden on public finances. The draft regulation envisages granting support to investors declaring an investment with a value exceeding ?40 million or creating a minimum of 500 jobs. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 9) M.M.