The Polish consulate in Durban yesterday presented investors with an overview of the Polish economic climate and privatisation projects in sectors including energy, transport, construction, machinery, pharmaceuticals, finance, mining and agriculture.

Poland's plan for 2008-2011 realises Prime Minister Donald Tusk's inaugural commitment to increase the pace of privatisation.

Its ministry of treasury aims to privatise more than 800 state companies before the end of the current government's term.

Priority has been given to legislative measures designed to accelerate the process. In addition, legal procedures have been made more investor-friendly.

Slawomir Sonarski, first secretary of the embassy's trade and investment promotion section, told KwaZulu-Natal businessmen Poland had one of the most robust economies in Europe and that its dominant sectors were services, industry and agriculture.

Despite the recession, it is "probably the only EU country recording positive GDP this year", and has accumulated $160-billion in foreign direct investment.

Poland is, according to its representatives, an alluring investment destination because of its low labour costs, an "attractive" taxation system and a young, educated work force.

The government has set up an investor relations centre to field inquiries from potential investors.