briefs

Brussels summit looks at Poland

Over the past few years Poland has made progress in bringing its economy in line with European Union standards, although further steps still need to be taken. In particular, modernisation and extension of the Polish transport infrastructure (roads, motorways and railway tracks) needs to became a priority. In order to meet EU requirements and make better use of assistance funds, the country must improve the effectiveness of its administration officials. These points were put forward by Uwe Krüger Ph.D., president of the Board of Hochtief Polska, during the European Business Summit which took place at the start of June in Brussels.
The summit was organised by UNICE (Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe). During the event Mr. Krüger presented a report regarding Poland's progress in its preparations for EU accession. Similar reports were also presented by representatives from various companies from the 9 other candidate countries.
,In a conversation I had with Eneko Landaburu, Directorate General for Regional Policy and Cohersion, and with Günter Verheugen, who is a member of the European Committee responsible for enlargement issues, I stressed the fact that for any business operating in Poland the vital issue is the fact that the government is making concerted efforts and is systematically closing chapters of negotiations," Uwe Krüger told us. ,I also mentioned the rate of VAT in construction. I stressed that the rate of 22 % was too high and that this issue ought to be renegotiated."

Eiffage take over Mitex

The French Eiffage announced it wants to buy 25.2 % of shares in construction company Mitex, at an estimated cost of PLN 82.7 mln. The French currently hold 74.8 % of shares in the Kielce based construction company.

Metro to reach Huta

Warsaw officials have announced that they agreed to spend PLN 721 mln on extending the existing Metro line as far as Huta in northern Warsaw. The investment is scheduled for completion in 2006.
A second Metro line from Wola to Bródno (west - east), which is being financed by private companies, is to be ready by 2011. The city will be repay the investment over the course of 30 years in annual installments of EUR 100 mln.

Mostostal Zabrze obtained EUR 90,000 order

Mostostal Zabrze-Holding has obtained a EUR 90,000 order for welding works on the Airbus A 380 project. The works will be performed as part of a contract with the German company Donges Stahlbau.
Another German company, LOI Thermoprocess, entrusted Mostostal Zabrze with the assembly of industrial stoves in Germany, in the MAN factory in Munich, amongst others. The orders are worth EUR 292,000.

USD 486 for 1 sqm

In a survey complied by Hanscomb on commercial construction costs for 1 sqm of a single-storey manufacturing facility (13,900 sqm), the cost in Warsaw amounts to USD 486. This places the Polish capital in 20th place in the ranking. Moscow is in first place, with 1 sqm costing USD 728. Zurich is in second place (USD 721/sqm) and London in third place (USD 705/sqm).
The construction cost is calculated using a 'market basket' of 26 composite building items including labour costs and materials, equipment and overheads.