Export | Import | Investments

Trade.gov.pl

Home > News > Polish economy – the story of a major transformation
Article

Polish economy – the story of a major transformation

International trade and commerce factored heavily in Poland’s economic growth and prosperity since its political transformation in 1989. Since then Poland has harnessed change for competitive advantage and built the largest Central European economy by responding to key global challenges.

After transformation, as Poland became more integrated into global supply chains, it continued to embrace foreign investments as a source of capital, growth and knowledge, making great use of various technological transfers and an emerging R&D base. All of this contributed to its prominent position amongst the most attractive FDI destinations in Europe. Between 1990-2019, Poland recorded one of the highest GDP per capita growth rates in the OECD and EU countries, and was the only economy in Europe to stave off the recession in 2008. It should come as no surprise then that in the years 1990 – 2018 Polish economy grew by 381%.

From local to international

Here are examples that illustrate the transformation that Poland has undergone over the last three decades. Nowadays, Poland is a well-known hub for electromobility. After Ochang in South Korea, Naning in China, Holland and USA, LG Chem chose Wrocław to be a part of its global production system. 68 km from there, in Jawor, Daimler AG, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, launched its engine production facility, specialized in the production of four-cylinder engines. Korean SKC Group, in turn, chose the city of Stalowa Wola, near A4 expressway and Rzeszów-Jesionka Airport, to be the centre of its European base of operations. Each year Poland attractiveness increase in terms of the FDI. Including the above mentioned examples, in 2021 Poland attracted 423 new FDI projects, many of them in STEM and green energy fields.

But there is a much larger story behind this success. Stalowa Wola is part of the Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone, one of Poland’s 14 special economic zones spread across the country. This, as well as the other Zones, are aided in their mission and endeavours by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, which cooperates with both local and international institutions. Through its network of over fifty Foreign Trade Offices, PAIH promotes Poland and the Polish economy abroad, supporting export from the country and attracting FDI. Foreign investors are provided with reviews of macroeconomic and microeconomic factors and cost drivers at each location. Investors, who decided to visit Poland, are supported by a Project Manager that will arrange all necessary meetings in public administration and with owners of selected sites, as well as prepare itinerary of a trip. Large multinationals like LG Chem, smaller enterprises and entrepreneurs alike can rely on the PAIH’s professional consultants helping them find partners, suppliers or an adequate site for their investment. Currently, PAIH is providing assistance in multiple projects across a variety of sectors, including BSS, electromobility, automotive, food processing, R&D, and others. Entrepreneurs from South Korea, USA, Belarus, Germany and China, constitutes the biggest group of beneficiaries of the projects supported by PAIH.

Since its inception, PAIH has finalized projects worth over 30 billion EUR in total, which in turn contributed to the creation of over 250 thousand new workplaces. Since 2016, the agency had supported dozens of investment projects in the electromobility sector alone worth more than 6 billion EUR. Thanks to these projects, over 13,000 jobs for highly qualified workers and engineers were created.

Why Poland?

Poland is the largest country in Central and Eastern Europe and the 6th largest in Europe. 60% of its the population is at working age, which means a workforce of 23 million people. Human capital and cheap skilled labour costs attract foreign entrepreneurs to invest in Poland. Each year Polish universities turn out 37,500 engineers, which places us second behind Germany in the EU. Talented and well-educated employees as well as a healthy environment for start-ups attracted the most Venture Capital investments in the CEE region. It is worth mentioning that Poland has one of the highest levels of public support for new investments, which can reach up to 70% of the investment costs!

Thanks to the country’s stable, predictable and diversified economy, Poland was the only country in Europe to avoid the financial crisis of the years 2007 – 2008. Polish companies figure strongly in the European production chains. Owing to its strategic location in the heart of Europe, Poland provides excellent connection to both Eastern and Western countries, which translates to unlimited access to the EU market of 446 million inhabitants that can be reached overland, by flight or freight.

As part of a larger EU budget for the years 2021-2027, Poland will be spending 8.6 billion Euros on development of research and innovations. This programme is going to follow five major thematic objectives set out by the EU, focussed on smarter, greener and carbon-free Europe in accordance with the plans for future sustainability. As the cooperation between the business and science strengthens, support for large investments in the so-called “priority sectors”: automotive, electronics, aviation, biotechnology, and modern services: IT centres, BPOs and telecommunications will continue to increase. These also happen to be some of the sectors Poland is most renowned for.

Are you thinking of investing abroad? Why not invest in Poland? Our investment team would be delighted to help you and there is a plethora of investments incentives waiting for you! Get in touch with PAIH via the contact form at: https://www.paih.gov.pl/contact.  

  • Everything
  • News (269)
  • Events (163)
  • Get Support (83)
  • Polish companies (1105)
Advanced search
  • Institution

    The Investor Tax Service Center

    Eltem Company logo

    "ELTEM" SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Industrial machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof
    Agricultural machinery and parts thereof
    Other instruments and apparatus
    Electromechanical appliances and parts thereof
    Locomotives, rolling stock, special vehicles and parts thereof
    Aerospace industry
    Vehicle parts (excluding engines)
    Show all
    Industrial machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof
    Agricultural machinery and parts thereof
    Other instruments and apparatus
    Electromechanical appliances and parts thereof
    Locomotives, rolling stock, special vehicles and parts thereof
    Aerospace industry
    Vehicle parts (excluding engines)
    Show all

    We offer a comprehensive service for the design and manufacture of wiring for vehicles and machinery with various levels of complexity and variety of requirements. No matter whether you need a design from scratch or whether you provide a specification, we are glad to take on this task (without needing any specialist documentation).Our offer also includes the design and manufacture of electronics, adapted to your individual requirements.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website
    Mitmar company logo

    Mitmar Sp. z o.o.

    Services
    Business services
    Food
    Live bovine animals and beef
    Live poultry and meat of fowls
    Live swine and pork
    Prepared meat and sausages
    Other meats and live animals
    Fish and seafood
    Animal food
    Other food products
    Other goods
    Show all
    Services
    Business services
    Food
    Live bovine animals and beef
    Live poultry and meat of fowls
    Live swine and pork
    Prepared meat and sausages
    Other meats and live animals
    Fish and seafood
    Animal food
    Other food products
    Other goods
    Show all

    Good day! Dear colleagues, our company is a frozen meat supplier. We produce and debone chicken, pork and beef meat. Our company belongs to “Pamapol Group” – which is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange- producer of caned food and ready to eat meals! Another company from our group – “WZPOW Kwidzyń” is a supplier of frozen vegetables for retails and industry! More info about our company You can find in below links: www.mitmar.pl www.pamapol.com.pl www.warzywakwidzyn.pl

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    Studnie24 Wiercenie studni głębinowych

    Construction
    Renovation and construction materials
    Measuring instruments and apparatus and parts thereof
    Show all
    Construction
    Renovation and construction materials
    Measuring instruments and apparatus and parts thereof
    Show all

    We specialize in drilling deep water wells reaching depths of up to 200 meters. This allows us to provide access to clean, high-quality water from deep aquifers, regardless of local geological conditions. Our services also include boreholes for heat pumps, offering a modern and eco-friendly solution for heating buildings. We deliver each project comprehensively – from technical consulting and selecting the right equipment, through drilling, to the installation of pumps and full system commission

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website
  • Pawilon Polski Na Expo Osaka
    Article

    The Polish Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 is open

    United States flag and European union political balls smash into each other. 3D Rendering
    Article

    Trade war US vs. EU  – losses and gains

    US, EU and UK flags
    Article

    US-EU and UK Trade

    trucks parked outside warehouses in a distribution center
    Article

    Poland – A European Distribution Centre

  • name of the fair and date
    Event

    Electronics Show 2025

    name of the fair
    Event

    Warsaw Food Expo 2025

    name of the event
    Event

    Plastpol 2025

    event name and window
    Event

    WindoShow 2025

  • logotyp Wielkopolskiej Izby Gospodarczej
    Institution

    Wielkopolska Chamber of Commerce

    KARR logo
    Institution

    Karkonosze Regional Development Agency Inc.

    PCEI logo
    Institution

    Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry

    Institution

    Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice

  • LB Therm Company Logo

    LB THERM SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Renovation and construction materials
    Other goods
    Show all
    Renovation and construction materials
    Other goods
    Show all

    LB Therm is large manufacturer of sandwich panels. For years, we have been working with leading companies in the window and door joinery, HVAC, advertising, and automotive industries. We provide them with solutions that combine durability, aesthetics, and precision craftsmanship. At the same time, we are expanding our product portfolio and entering new markets. We respond to the needs of companies looking for modern and reliable materials.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website
    Perceptus company logo

    PERCEPTUS SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Business services
    IT and Telecommunication
    IT and telecommunication equipment
    Show all
    Business services
    IT and Telecommunication
    IT and telecommunication equipment
    Show all

    For over 16 years, we have been delivering high quality IT security systems that ensure cybersecurity for public institutions and businesses. We offer comprehensive services: selecting and implementing tailored solutions, and training the client’s team.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website
    SDI Solution logo

    SDI SOLUTION SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Services
    Cultural and recreational services
    Business services
    IT and Telecommunication
    Construction
    Travel
    Transport and courier services
    IT and telecommunication equipment
    Show all
    Services
    Cultural and recreational services
    Business services
    IT and Telecommunication
    Construction
    Travel
    Transport and courier services
    IT and telecommunication equipment
    Show all

    SDI Solution is a Polish IT company specializing in system integration, custom software development, and business process automation. We deliver advanced IT services and export digital solutions from leading Polish brands, tailored for manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce sectors. Our mission is to support global partners in digital transformation through innovative, scalable technologies.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website
    Iluzjonista company logo

    Y SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Cultural and recreational services
    Business services
    Show all
    Cultural and recreational services
    Business services
    Show all

    Y the Magician is a globally recognized Polish illusionist and keynote performer known for TEDx appearances and viral collaborations with top influencers. He specializes in live shows, immersive corporate entertainment, and digital magic content. Blending illusion, psychology, and technology, his export-ready performances represent cutting-edge Polish creativity for international stages and branded experiences.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

The Export Promotion Portal uses cookies to make it easier for users to use the website and for statistical purposes. If you do not block these files, you agree to their use and saving in the memory of your computer or other device. Remember that you can change your browser settings to block the storage of cookies. More information can be found in Privacy Policy and Terms and conditions.