Exporters confidence dented as złoty remains strong

Some 32% of entrepreneurs claim that exports in Euro brings no profit while three months ago the percentage of unsatisfied businessmen was only 18%. As a result Polish companies have evaluated the economic situation worse than a few months ago and project that the number of new contracts will drop drastically. This in turn would translate into a decrease in employment. Also, a number of firms believe that the strong złoty is an obstacle to their development. On Friday, Economy Minister Jerzy Hausner stated if the złoty remains strong, there might be problems with achieving 5% GDP growth this year. On the other hand the strong złoty has some positive aspects. The situation is favorable for those who obtain loans in foreign currencies because they pay lower installments. Also the prices of some imported goods fell. (Parkiet, p. 1; Rzeczpospolita February 5-6, pp. A1, B1, Puls Biznesu, p. 10) A.F.