Investment optimism in central, eastern Europe sees improvement

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Xinhua, Vienna :
Investor sentiment in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) improved in May with the business climate index reaching its highest value since the beginning of 2014, a leading Austrian financial and information services provider stated Wednesday.
The Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) surveyed about 400 leaders from CEE-based companies that have a regional headquarters in Vienna, and found the business climate index had increased 2.3 points to a total of 84.9 points.
This was in particular due to an improved current business situation, its value increasing 1.5 points, as well as more optimistic business expectations for the next six months, increasing 2.7 points.
Poland and the Czech Republic reportedly saw the best improvements, while Ukraine and Russia have, despite some ongoing turmoil, seen an easing of pessimistic expectations since the last index.
The direct investors also expect an improvement in Austrian exports in the CEE region, increasing 3 points to 83.6 points, with the financial sector particularly optimistic, increasing over 20 points to 100.8 points.
The OeKB said the business climate mood had improved for all countries in the region apart from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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