Rates unchanged

As expected, Poland's interest-rate setting body, the Monetary Policy Council, left rates unchanged at its April 30 sitting.

The central bank's key interest rate thus remains at 5.75%. The council cited slower industrial production and unstable market conditions as the reasons behind its decision. Inflation remains high however, reaching 4.1% in March.

The EC forecasts that in 2008 Poland's inflation rate will reach 4.3%.