IT gives me enormous pleasure and indeed it is a honour to be given this opportunity to address such distinguished readers of the South China Morning Post on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Poland.
Poland is one of the largest countries in central Europe and, with a population of over 38 million, is the largest market in this part of Europe.
As you know, three years ago my country brought about a dramatic change which started a chain reaction throughout central and eastern Europe.
Poland became the first country to break away from the communist ideology and to return to its historical and traditional political and economic values. The road towards democracy and a market economy was embarked upon by the country.
Poland, therefore, was the first country to introduce so-called ''shock therapy'' - the programme of systemic, institutional and economic change which began in January, 1990.
While the transformation process is proving to be more prolonged and difficult than anticipated, successive governments have reaffirmed their commitment to constructing a competitive, open and financially stable market economy in Poland.
Only one year ago, some sceptics in the Western press claimed that Poland had lost heart with the reforms and once again was sliding towards becoming the sick man of Europe.
