The most important news from July 26 until July 30 of the year 2004

Oil sector. PKN Orlen as a good target for investment
ConocoPhillips, which is planning to become top investor in Łukoil, second largest Russian oil company, intends to participate actively in privatization of PKN Orlen. However if American company purchase shares in the domestic oil giant then the latter would be forced to change its strategy for the next years.
ConocoPhillips, the third largest American oil company, negotiates with the management of Orlen the terms of purchasing Polish firm's stock for a few months. According to sources the Americans placed an official offer, but neither PKN Orlen nor the Polish Treasury Ministry confirmed this information.
Source: Rzeczpospolita
 
 
New concept on spatial development program
"The key to create new jobs is investment revival. And currently we observe more interest of foreign investors on Polish market", stated Prime Minister Marek Belka after meeting with Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) representatives.
"We are drafting new regulations encouraging foreign companies to invest in Poland. These include amending the bills on construction law and special development program. The changes should contribute to remove investment barriers and thus creating new jobs for Polish unemployed", added Marek Belka.
Source: Głos Wybrzeża
 
 
Technopolis in Polanica Zdrój
Polanica Zdrój is a renown Polish health-resort, but according to latest plans it might become Polish Silicon Valley. Wrocław based IT company Microtech International and French Network Quality have been working on the project for a few months. The preliminary results were presented to the local government of the Lower Silesia voivodeship, which really enjoyed the concept. The project seems to be also interesting for Centre Europeen pour Enseignement which is a UNESCO unit, specializing in promoting research in Central-East Europe.
Source: Gazeta Wyborcza  
 
IMF Report - optimistic about Poland
A few days ago International Monetary Fund (IMF) published in Washington a report about economy and investment climate in Poland. IMF specialists perceive the domestic economy a much more positive way then earlier reports. IMF believes that the short term growth perspectives for the Polish economy are auspicious. However in case of high growth rate as currently in Poland, one should pay special attention to decrease unemployment and stimulate investment. The only danger for Poland, according to IMF, is political instability which might impede the speed of changes in the Polish economy.
Source: Rzeczpospolita
 
 
Siemens expands its R&D centre in Wrocław
Within the next 3 years Siemens AG will invest additional €15 million in its Wrocław R&D centre increasing the present employment by some 40% by the end of 2005.
Software Development Centre of German Siemens was established in Wrocław in October 2000. It currently employs about 300 people. Poland - along with Germany, Austria, Greece, Portugal, India and China - belongs to the small group of countries possessing Siemens R&D institutions.
Source: (PAIiIZ)