FDI up 23% in 2004 and reaches four year high

"This is an increase by 23% as compared to 2003 and the highest level in the past four years," said PAIiIZ deputy president, Sebastian Mikosz. According to the data revealed by the Agency, investments have been systematically rising since 2002, and although it can be expected to increase this year as well, it is rather unlikely to surpass the psychological barrier of $10 billion. According to PAIiIZ representatives this level should be reached in 2006. The Agency for the first time estimated the number of jobs created thanks to the inflow of investments. "In 2004 it was almost 15,000, while a year earlier it was around 10,000," added Mikosz. The Agency also informed that during the first quarter of 2005, projects with a joint value of EUR550 million were completed. In the past year it has been companies from France and the USA which have invested the most. (Parkiet, p. 10; Puls Biznesu, p. 8) A.K.