Despite global downturn Poland continues to attract leading levels of FDI

"The value of foreign direct investment (FDI) across the world decreased by 50% in 2001 and amounted to $735 billion," said a report prepared by the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Investments in Central and Eastern Europe slightly increased by 2%, with Poland playing the role of regional leader. According to data from the National Bank of Poland FDI in 2001 amounted to $6.93 billion, while a year earlier it was $8.17 billion. The inflow of foreign capital to Poland is accompanying an increase in exports. Companies with foreign shareholders represent 10.6% of all enterprises, but generate 55% of exports. Some analysts are concerned that FDI is tending to focus mostly on low-processed goods. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B1) M.M.