Gov't signs major offset deal with Patria and Melary

The compensation deals will envisage transferring the technology of the modern vehicle AMVx8, training of personnel, as well as purchases and investments. As part of the indirect Finnish offset deal, the new factory of Parker Hannifin was located near Wrocław. Part of the offset proceeds will also go to Warsaw's Industrial Optics Center, ZM Tarnów and Stomil Poznań. The value of the offset contract of the Italian Oto Melara, delivering elements of the transporter, amounts to EUR 308 million. After 2005 these elements will be manufactured in Poland. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B3) M.M.