The Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) for several years has measured the affinity of Poles for other nations, mainly European. Recently their “affinity” for the Vietnamese, who are generally regarded as traders and restaurateurs, has been included on the list.

In 1993 the most well-liked nation by Poles were Italians – 63 percent indicated a positive affinity and 6 percent negative; regarding Americans – 62 and 9 percent; for the French 61 to 9 percent; Hungarians and British ex aequo – 47 to 17 percent.

Eleven years ago Poles did not like Romanians – 66 percent indicated a negative opinion and only 9 percent had a positive opinion; of Ukrainians – 65 to 12 percent; Russians – 56 to 17 percent; Germans 53 to 23 percent and Jews 51 to 15 percent.

In 1994 research figures included the Gypsies and revealed that they are disliked by 75 percent of Poles and liked by only 7 percent.

In 1998 Poles were asked about their affinity for the Vietnamese. The latter were evaluated positively by 20 percent of those polled and negatively by 34 percent. Until today those figures have not changed.

The latest research reveals that Poles most positively evaluate Americans (56 percent), followed by Italians (54 percent), Czechs (47 percent), Brits and Swedes (44 percent each). Poles reserve their dislike for Gypsies (61 percent), Arabs (60 percent), Romanians and Ukrainians.

Attitudes towards the Germans are divided. Nearly the same percentage of society evaluates them positively (36 percent) as negatively (38 percent). Equally disliked are the French. This is probably the result of misunderstandings in recent months connected with membership in the EU and Poland’s presence in Iraq.

Small and medium-sized firms are increasingly willing to invest in Poland. They have many advantages: they create more jobs and public support for them is less than in the case of large firms of the global economy.

In recent years Poland has sought investment from large concerns, among others, including Hyundaia/KIA and PSA, although they lost to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. These failures have negatively affected Poland’s image in the international arena. However, from the point of view of economic benefits, attracting small and medium-sized businesses is more valuable to Poland. Smaller firms employ more people than large concerns, which invest in modern technology with the limited participation of human labor.

According to the State Information and Foreign Investment Agency, after Poland’s entry into the EU, services connected with conferences and healthcare will develop rapidly. „Poland should endeavor, immediately after entering the EU, to attract the largest number of conferences and congresses to our country. Thus more firms will be established to handle their maintenance” – said Alex Kloszewski, director of Intercontinantal, in Rzeczpospolita.

Integration with the EU should also attract investors who deal with healthcare. One day in a Polish health resort, including meals and treatments, costs as much as one treatment alone in Germany.

Poles have not hidden their fears that after May 1 foreigners will buy up Polish land and real estate. These fears are contradicted by statistics to date, published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration (MSWiA), which issues permits for the purchase of land by foreigners.

Figures indicate that in 2003 private persons and foreign companies have purchased, on the basis of permits issued by MSWiA:

* 1709 pieces of real estate with a total area of 3.1 thousand ha,
* 181 apartments and usable premises in border areas,
* 107 agricultural plots with a total area of 221 ha.

Real estate was purchased first and foremost by foreigners from Germany, Switzerland and the US. However, among firms, buyers were most frequently dominated by German and Dutch capital.

After May 1 all foreigners, as well as Polish citizens, will be covered by the same degree of limitations binding in the 2003 law on the agricultural system. For example, in order to acquire agricultural land, buyers must have the appropriate qualifications (this may be, for example, a high school or higher education) or career experience as well as residency established on the territory of the land in question.