London, 11 December 1996 (RFE/RL) -- The Warsaw region is expected to benefit from better quality fresh fruit and vegetables as a result of plans to build a big new wholesale market on the Warsaw-Poznan main road.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has just announced that it will extend a $15 million loan to the wholesale market firm, Warszawski Rolno-Spozywczy Rynek Hurtowy S.A..
EBRD President Jacques de Larosiere said at the signing ceremony that most fruit and vegetable sellers in Warsaw presently buy supplies at unofficial markets outside the city or directly from producers. This results in price distortions, irregular supplies and poor quality goods.
He said the proposed modern market will benefit consumers, producers and traders alike with better facilities and lower prices. The proposed market is expected to open before the end of 1998.
The Agriculture Ministry drew up a national plan two years ago to set up a network of wholesale agricultural markets, but to date a facility at Poznan is the only market operating to international standards
The EBRD has signed six similar wholesale market projects for Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania for a total investment of $197 million.