Open borders in Europe are also good for the economy, since they reduce the costs associated with cross-border business. Such business remains vital to both sides, because although Eastern Europe is booming, its huge demand for previously scarce consumer goods cannot be fully met by regional manufacturers. Formerly state-run companies, which were often run into the ground in the communist era, also desperately need new investment. Eastern Europe is therefore not only attractive as a new sales market but also as a production location. It's especially interesting for companies from Western Europe because, unlike Asian countries, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary etc. are practically right next door. It takes, for example, only one hour to fly from Frankfurt/Main to Prague, and just another half-hour to get to Budapest or Warsaw. Western Europeans also enjoy closer cultural ties with their neighbors in Eastern Europe than with the people of Asia. Although separated somewhat by language and lifestyle, they do share a common history and, as members of the EU, some common laws now as well.