PAIZ and PAI to be merged into new State agency with sweeping powers

The Cabinet has accepted a draft bill to create the State Agency for Promoting Exports and Foreign Investments Pro Polonia (PAPEiIZ) as of 1 January 2003. The new agency will combine the State Agency for Foreign Investments (PAIZ) and the Polish Information Agency (PAI). It will be under the auspices of the Economy Minister and will have strong political and financial support. "The concept is to increase the efficiency of money being spent on promoting Poland and our companies abroad. The Agency will consolidate its financial and human resources," said the government in its proposal. Pro Polonia will engage in marketing activities, such as finding investors and mediating between them and local authorities. "About 80% of our activity will be non-profit, but we will charge for help in acquiring permits or licenses," said the president of PAIZ, Antoni Styrczula. Pro Polonia may also become a partner in other enterprises and take over shares. Moreover the Agency will have certain exclusive right to act as the intermediary in aid programs for companies and local governments. "One problem is that some companies may fear that start up and operating costs will increase for foreign firms," said Andrzej Wilk from the Confederation of Private Employers. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 3) M.M.