In the latest survey conducted by Ernst & Young, Poland ranks 5^th in Europe and 1^st in the CEE region in terms of new foreign investments in 2008 and 2^nd in Europe regarding the number of new jobs generated by foreign direct investments (FDI). The Ernst & Young report European Attractiveness Survey was presented today at a conference held at the Ministry of Economy.

The conference was opened by Waldemar Pawlak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy who recalled that Poles make up one fourth of the CEE region's population and generate one third of the region's GDP. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Poland has the most stable economy and as the only country in Europe recorded a positive economic growth in the 1Q 2009.

The report informs that 2008 saw 176 new investment projects realised in Poland what shows a 21% increase in investment when compared with the previous year. In Europe Poland ranks 5^th, behind the UK, France, Germany and Spain, however, in the CEE region our country becomes a leader. In terms of new jobs generated by investment projects, Poland where 15 thousand workplaces were created, classifies 2^nd, following only the UK. Moreover, the report confirms 2007 forecasts, that Poland would be the most frequently chosen new investment destination in Europe.

Agnieszka Ta³asiewicz, partner at Ernst&Young and Waldemar Pawlak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy (Source: Ministry of Economy)

Respondents found both Western Europe (40%) and Central and Eastern Europe (39%) to be the most attractive investment destinations. This means this year the European continent outstripped the 2008 leader China (33%). India is on the 5^th position with (20%). According to Agnieszka Ta³asiewicz, the ranking shows that in the time of crisis business leaders opt for safety and turn to well known markets. Yet prognoses suggest the next three years should see the CEE region become increasingly popular and achieve the leading position as an investment destination. -Investments in the CEE region will be realised not only because of cheap labour force and low costs of business activity but, first of all, due to the quality of human capital and large domestic markets - Ta³asiewicz said.

Ernst&Young European Attractiveness survey is an annual survey conducted since 2004. This year's edition is based on the responses of over 800 investor representatives from 42 countries. The survey is based on an original two-fold approach: tracking the investment project announcements in Europe in a year precedent the publication of the report and surveying the perceptions and expectations of investors themselves.