Poland could achieve a GDP growth rate of 4 percent this year, according to the country's Minister of Economy Waldemar Pawlak, Puls Biznesu reported.

“Inflation of around 3 to 4 percent is not a serious problem. It is rather one of the factors conducive to economic growth. As long as inflation does not exceed 4 percent, there is no serious concern,” said Mr Pawlak at a press conference in Katowice.

“Right now, the crisis in Europe and the difficulties that can be seen for example in Spain, mean we have to be careful. But I remain optimistic that growth of around 4 percent is possible if we maintain a good standing and a positive mood in the domestic market,” he added.

The average growth forecast for Poland this year in a March Polish Press Association survey of economists was 3 percent, with 3.4 percent being the highest of the 16 forecasts.

Poland A.M.