The investment boom seems set to last

According to economists and analysts, investments should rapidly increase this year. "In H1 investments should increase by 7-10%. Companies need them," stated the chief economist with Fortis Bank Marcin Mróz. The Institute of Market Economy Research (IBnGR) envisages that the investments will grow by 12-12.5% in H2, while in 2007 they should increase by 13.3%. Studies by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) show that almost 50% of companies believe that the climate for investing is good. Nevertheless, despite the optimism, there are certain threats. "Apart from political factors such as the campaign before the autumn elections, there is weakening of foreign demand i.e. the crisis in Germany and slower growth in the USA, both of which could have an adverse impact on investments," stated Jacek Wiśniewski, the chief economist with Raiffeisen Bank. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) E.B.