National Development Plan among Economy Minister's goals for next year

Economy Minister Jacek Piechota outlined yesterday the Ministry's goals for the next year, highlighting the preparation of the so-called National Development Plan (NPR). Slated for completion by the end of December, the plan will influence the amount of money Poland will be granted from EU funds if and when Poland joins the Union. Poland expects to receive euro 10 billion to euro 20 billion from the EU between 2004 and 2006. Additionally, the Economy Ministry intends to prepare a consolidation program for the steel industry slated for completion in January 2002. "After the consolidation we will start talks with investors, " said Piechota. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B3) A.Z.