ECONOMIC GROWTH

Despite the continuing global crisis, Poland's economy still remains an attractive partner. Estimates of the European Commission's economic forecasts say that in 2010 Poland will report economic growth of 2.7% of GDP, the highest figure in the European Union next to Slovakia.

Polish estimates speak of GDP growth of up to 3%. The reason for this optimism is the improving economic situation around the world.

The European Commission notes that Poland is a leader of economic revival in the European Union, and points out that it was the only European Union country

to report economic growth in 2009 (1.7% of GDP). The European Commission emphasizes that Poland has a better job market situation than previously predicted, and claims that Poland's further growth will be based on exports and the influx of foreign capital thanks to investors' improved image of the Polish economy.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARITIME ECONOMY

Even in the face of the global crisis, in 2009 the Polish economy, including the maritime economy, participated actively in the economic processes of the international market. In 2009 Polish shipping companies transported almost 9.38 million metric tons of cargo. More than 7.28 million tons was carried as part of regular shipping services, while the irregular shipping business transported more than 2.09 million tons of cargo.

6.85 million tons of cargo was transported to and from Polish ports, and 2.32 million tons was carried between foreign ports. Cargo turnover in seaports in 2009 totalled 45 million tons. The greatest share in the turnover of Poland's seaports was that of Gdańsk (41.6%), Gdynia (25.2%), Szczecin (15.5%), and Świnoujście (15.6%).

NEW QUALITY - MODERNIZATION AND TRANSFORMATION

The shipbuilding industry is also withstanding international competition, though its image is changing. Previous giants (Gdynia and Szczecin shipyards) are being

replaced by smaller shipyards founded with private capital. They often acquire the assets of former giant shipyards, reacting flexibly to global trends in the shipbuilding industry, adjusting to the current market situation.

Last year, 25 vessels were built in Poland. The gross tonnage (GT) of ships whose production was finalized in 2009 equalled 279,000. In 2009, non-cargo ships

accounted for 48% of total shipbuilding output, while container ships accounted for 20%.

Thanks to this, Poland continues to be perceived as an active player on the international shipbuilding market.

Approximate data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS)