Investment across the Eastern border exceeds $100 million - and more to come

Polish investment in Russia and Ukraine tripled or even quadrupled last year, exceeding $100 million, but experts predict the real investment boom in the East hasn't even started. Over the coming months the value of plants under construction in the two countries may reach several hundred million USD. "Our plant in Russia will soon become a front line for export to Kazakhstan, Mongolia or even farther," said a representative for the construction materials producer Atlas, Marek Pastusiak. Pfleiderer Grajewo, a leader in production of chip boards, is about to begin work on its $100 million investment in Russia, which will be concluded in two years. "This will allow us to achieve a major position in our segment," assured Grajewo president Paweł Wyrzykowski. Polish companies are tempted by rapid economic growth in the East, large markets and the absence-existent competition from EU companies. (Gazeta Wyborcza, pp. 1, 16) M.M.