Economy Minister optimistic about small businesses

"We predict that next year small and medium companies will benefit from the 'Entrepreneurship Above All' program," Economy Minister Jacek Piechota told a press conference. Within the next few weeks the ministry is to present the support program for the small and medium business sector envisioned for the years 2003-2006. At the start of 2003 some major changes are to be introduced including a more liberal labor code, a less complicated tax system and a simplified legal and institutional structure featuring, for instance, the possibility of postponing the payment of taxes for newly established businesses. "I believe that the planned increase in GDP will be initiated in this very sector," added Piechota. From 2003, the Ministry will be monitoring the functioning of small and medium companies and will prepare an annual report for the Cabinet. Labor Minister Jerzy Hausner, who was also present at the conference, said that unemployment would not exceed 18% at the end of the year. All these factors make for a favorable forecast for Poland's economic situation in 2003. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B3) A.C.