Simple business law is a 'right', says Deputy Economy Minister

The number of newly registered firms increased by 12 percent in 2005, the first increase since 1997, says the latest Economy Ministry report on entrepreneurship in Poland. The number of companies employing between 10 and 49 workers grew by three percent. However, the number of firms shutting down has also been on the rise since 2003. According to the report, last year gross profits fell by zł.10 billion, while liquidity rose.

The report also identified several administrative and legal obstacles that still remain for the development of entrepreneurship. The authors call for the creation of an entrepreneur-friendly environment supporting innovation, a reform of regulations, and active cooperation between entrepreneurs and administration.

"Entrepreneurs have the right to simple, transparent regulations concerning their activities, as well as to increasing the competitiveness and innovation of their firms in a friendly environment," says Andrzej Kaczmarek, Deputy Economy Minister. Kaczmarek added that the Ministry will invite representatives of employers, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations and academics to take part in the reform of regulations.

"There are declarations, but they are not followed by a real eagerness to make the changes," says Henryka Bochniarz, president of the Polish Confederation of Private Employers Lewiatan. Bochniarz also doubts whether these new laws will prove solid; because of the rapid rate at which it is being processed, the legislation could need adjusting in the near future.