GUS deputy president throws question mark over continued growth

In May the public bought slightly less than in April, but the positive trends in the economy remain strong, which will eventually translate into 5.5%-6% GDP growth in 2004 and around 5% over the following two years. According to Janusz Witkowski, the deputy president of the Central Statistical Office (GUS), growth is dependent on investments, but there are no signs that these are picking up despite that companies providing investment-related services and products increased their sales by 50%. EU accession had a positive effect on economic growth, but there are a number of barriers which might hinder it in the short-term. They are the anticipated increase in interest rates, cuts in budget spending, as well as a growing gap in foreign trade. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B1) M.M.