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Stability... Poland is a politically stable country. Since the return to democracy in 1989, there have been no serious domestic conflicts, either ethnic or religious. That results mostly from homogeneity of the population, but the country's long tradition of both religious and ethnic tolerance is also contributing to this situation. Integration with the world economy... As the country that became a role model of political transition towards democracy and then conducted a remarkably successful economic reform, Poland plays a stabilizing role in the region. Membership in NATO (1999) evidenced the change of political situation, while OECD (world's 30 richest countries) and WTO accepted Poland as a newly emerged, fast-growing market economy. Business friendly legal environment... Legal wise, Poland is now a country friendly to foreign companies. The income tax for legal entities amounts to 27%, and it will be lowered to the level of 19% as of January 1, 2004. The government's incentive policy is another investment-favoring factor. The regulations concerning State Aid were introduced in 2000 and are compliant with the EU rules. The Act on conditions for admissibility and supervising of state aid for entrepreneurs further defines conditions, procedures, the amount and the form of aid granted to investors. It also presents new opportunities for foreign investors by warranting competitive advantage for a company within the field of its activity. Generally, companies with foreign share run their business on the same principle as Polish firms. A rule of equal treatment of all the entities is in force. All profits after taxation can be managed by the shareholders without any restriction and permission. In terms of protection of industrial property, foreign individuals and legal entities are subject to the same laws as local subjects. Poland has been praised by European economists for its mature financial system and a stable banking sector that meets global standards. There are currently over 65 banks with domestic and/or foreign capital on the market. The leading foreign banks are Allied Irish Bank Plc, ING Group NV, CITIBANK, ABN Amro-Bank, Deutsche Bank, UniCredito Italiano and many others. The numerous foreign financial institutions, which are already present in Poland, will facilitate any investment process and offer the confidence a foreign investor needs. Banks, legal firms and consultancies that have the expertise in the service standards and operating conditions help investors to smoothly start up their businesses in Poland. Public opinion in favour of foreign capital... The fact that public opinion in Poland favors foreign investment also substantially proves the good investment climate in the country. According to a 2003 research commissioned by PAIiIZ, the majority of Polish society, namely about 75%, accepts the presence of foreign capital in Poland. 41% of the population thinks that the share of foreign capital in the Polish economy is too small and would welcome further investments. Over 50% of Poles appreciate foreign investors' influence on enriching the supply of products in the market, modernizing the production techniques and creation of new workplaces. Text source: Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIiIZ)