GUS statistics show economic climate harsh on smaller, newer companies

The Central Statistical Office (GUS) has analyzed the business environment a nd development prospects for companies set up between 1995-2000. It transpir es that for the first four years of activity, 40% were in good condition and were not complaining about barriers to growth. However, since 1999 the clima te for running companies has worsened and in 2000 only 36% were not complain ing of obstacles to their development. About 44% of companies set up in 2000 bemoaned a lack of buyers for their products and services. Another barrier w as fierce competition and price cutting by big companies, which particularly hurt smaller ones. A major obstacle to improving competitiveness was the lac k of financial resources - identified by 87% of companies questioned. Due to this the number of enterprises undertaking investment activities fell from 3 6% in 1995 to 23% in 2000. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B4) M.M.