January sees double-digit growth as export boom continues

Analysts point out that the prices of domestically produced goods remain very competitive, while their quality and range is improving. This being partly thanks to direct foreign investment. However, they point out that sustaining such a high rate of export growth could prove to be difficult. "We need to remember that we are comparing results to 2003 figures, which have been improving every month," commented Marek Zuber, a TMS economist, who believes the rate of export growth will fall to single digits in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Central Statistical Office (GUS) reported on Friday that employment in enterprises declined by 1.5% year-on-year in January, although the average salary rose by 6.3%. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Mar. 13-14, p. 31) T.J.