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
  • Polish companies (636)
Advanced search
  • OPTOMER MELLER, RZETELSKI SPÓŁKA JAWNA

    IT and telecommunication equipment
    Show all

    We are the manufacturer of a wide range of passive optical products for FTTX networks. We know what is important for our customers at this time: good quality of a product, competitive leadtimes, quick transport.Thanks to large production plant based in the heart of Poland and 30 years of expierence, OPTOMER can quarante it all. We have our own Research and Development office, Designe Office and Training Centre. We are official partner of Swiss company Diamond.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    DELANTE MARKETING SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Services
    Business services
    IT and Telecommunication
    Show all

    Delante is a trusted international SEO company with a strong track record in delivering comprehensive website optimization services. Operating globally, our firm has earned recognition for its effective SEO strategies and a professional approach. Our team comprises experts from diverse fields, combining their knowledge and skills to provide clients with the best possible results. If you’re seeking an international SEO company for effective website optimization, Delante is ready to assist you.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    ADLER SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ

    Electronics and household appliances
    Domestic appliances
    Electronics
    Show all

    As one of the leaders in the household sector in Central Europe, we have gained the trust of hundreds of thousands of customers. With passion, we create and distribute reliable products that help with home tasks. They help to maintain the body and serve medical and entertainment purposes. For 30 years we have been guided by the idea of providing high quality equipment to the largest number of customers. By thoroughly understanding the needs of households, we have created over 800 products.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    SKIBICKI – ZABUDOWY Sp. z o.o.

    Other instruments and apparatus
    Automotive industry
    Vehicle parts (excluding engines)
    Show all

    The SKIBICKI TECHNIKA TRANSPORTOWA company is one of the largest Polish producers specializing in the construction of trucks. Our sales hit are hook lift devices. We are the largest manufacturer of this type of equipment with a weight of up to 20 tons. We have also been manufacturing and selling tippers for years. Our product is universal, but complex. Our motto is that the client’s satisfaction should be at a high level.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website
  • 4 HOME & KITCHEN Aneta Zubrycka

    Other goods
    Domestic appliances
    Show all

    For over 20 years, we have been arranging our customers’ kitchens and dining rooms with the most beautiful premium products. We distribute premium brands related to kitchen equipment with household appliances, kitchen accessories and porcelain. Our offer includes only proven products of the highest quality with unusual design and functionality. Our experience in Polish and European trade guarantees the highest level of service.We work with individual clients, architects, investors. www.13VIP.pl

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    GVG Aluminium Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.

    Renovation and construction materials
    Show all

    The GVG company specializes in the production of modern aluminium joinery. From the beginning, we were only focused on the production of highest-quality products, which is why we rely on system solutions from Reynaers,Cortizo and Schueco. We manufacture: windows – including English solutions, front doors, panel doors, pivot doors, terrace doors (folding and sliding).

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    MASTERS Sp. z o.o.

    IT and Telecommunication
    IT and telecommunication equipment
    Machinery and parts thereof
    Industrial machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof
    Measuring instruments and apparatus and parts thereof
    Agricultural machinery and parts thereof
    Other instruments and apparatus
    Electromechanical appliances and parts thereof
    Other goods
    Show all

    The MASTERS’ offer includes wide range of components – from mechanical elements, through microcontrollers, quartz crystals, optoelectronics and displays, to wireless and wired solutions. We represent more than 100 Manufacturers and our line card includes more than 200 000 components. We also provide construction, testing and certification services. The MASTERS also provides the EMS services and is the one-stop place for developing electronic products from scratch.

    Company’s profile Contact Visit Website

    VIVA INVEST sp.z o.o

    Services
    Business services
    Show all

    Viva Invest is an investment and advisory company specializing in real estate brokerage services in the Warsaw metropolitan area. We operate ethically, honestly, and responsibly, in accordance with the highest global standards and in the best interest of our clients.quick

    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.