Economists expect Q1 growth to approach 6%

The main reason behind the increase in sale of cars, household equipment and building supplies is the expected increase in VAT and changes to corporate taxation after the country joins the EU. "Presumably, people will have used up their savings to buy a new car by May 1," said Krzysztof Rybiński, BPH PBK bank's main economist. However, despite the increased optimism, unemployment remains stubbornly high at 20.6%. (Gazeta Wyborcza, March 20-21, p. 30) D.W.