Export to Poland
|
Poland has emerged as an important and dynamic market since the country began its transition to democracy and a market-driven economy in 1989. With 38 million people, Poland is the largest market among the former Eastern bloc countries of Central Europe and shares borders with both “new” EU and “old” EU-15 countries. Poland became a member of the European Union (EU) in 2004 and held the presidency of the EU for the last 6 months of 2011. Poland’s adoption of EU legislation has led to wide-ranging reforms in economic regulation and reduced government intervention in the private sector. Reforms in areas such as financial markets, company and competition law, accounting, and intellectual property rights have improved the environment for private business and boosted economic growth.
Poland is now the sixth-largest economy in the EU. Poland’s plans to eventually adopt the Euro currency will further accelerate the country’s integration with the EU. Poland is an active member of NATO, upgrading its armed forces and participating in joint peacekeeping activities in the region and elsewhere, including Afghanistan. |
|
Abundant opportunities exist for international firms in Poland. In addition to its large and growing domestic market, the country also affords direct access to the EU and markets to the east. Poles continue to demonstrate a strong affinity for imported western products. While the rest of Europe struggled with the global financial crisis, Poland’s accumulated GDP growth from 2008-2012 was 18 percent. Poland has been called a “green island” in a sea of red. Economists expect Poland’s GDP growth to slow in 2014 as a result of the European debt crisis and Poland’s own fiscal consolidation efforts. However, expansion is still expected to be over 1% in 2014. Poland’s growth was in part due to the sizable resources from the EU structural and cohesion funds. Poland is the main beneficiary of these funds, receiving €68.7 billion between 2007-2013. Funding for 2014-2020 is reportedly to be used to drive continued infrastructure projects, to develop Poland’s energy industry, and to stimulate innovation.
Businesses interested in Poland can expect moderately increasing domestic demand and a general affinity for international products. Overseas firms can increase their competitiveness by establishing a local presence, committing to strong after-sales service and support, and offering pricing and financial terms consistent with customer needs. Exporters are encouraged to offer creative pricing and financing packages in order to win business from Polish buyers. Poland has also emerged as a favorable location for business processing centers including call centers, shared services centers and research and development operations. With its well-regarded workforce, proximity to major markets, and political stability, it is an excellent choice for businesses wishing to expand their export markets.
Market Opportunities
Poland's membership of the EU has given them access to billions of euros in structural and cohesion funds to support infrastructure projects and environmental protection issues. Polish cities will have to develop new waste stream models, including waste to energy, as landfills across the country have to be closed and remediated by EU directive. In this environment, the need for premium office space and the expansion of the retail sector present opportunities for engineering and green-building services, particularly those built as ‘zero emission’ buildings and to LEED standards.While much work has been done, extensive effort and investment is still required to upgrade and modernize Poland’s transportation infrastructure. Projects such as the expansion of the Metro line in Warsaw, the upgrading of the North-South railway system between Gdansk and Warsaw, and the modernization, and expansion of regional airports will continue for the next few years.All of this has created strong opportunities for businesses in renewable energy technologies, green building, waste management, and power generation
Two other areas in the energy sector that offer particularly strong sales opportunities are nuclear power and shale gas. The Polish government plans to complete its first nuclear power plant by 2024. This massive undertaking has created opportunities for reactor technology, engineering services, legal/regulatory services, and training services. Assuming Poland’s shale gas deposits transition into a production phase, this will produce a dramatic increase in the need for gas drilling rigs, gas field equipment, and services.
Businesses interested in Poland can expect moderately increasing domestic demand and a general affinity for international products. Overseas firms can increase their competitiveness by establishing a local presence, committing to strong after-sales service and support, and offering pricing and financial terms consistent with customer needs. Exporters are encouraged to offer creative pricing and financing packages in order to win business from Polish buyers. Poland has also emerged as a favorable location for business processing centers including call centers, shared services centers and research and development operations. With its well-regarded workforce, proximity to major markets, and political stability, it is an excellent choice for businesses wishing to expand their export markets.
Market Opportunities
Poland's membership of the EU has given them access to billions of euros in structural and cohesion funds to support infrastructure projects and environmental protection issues. Polish cities will have to develop new waste stream models, including waste to energy, as landfills across the country have to be closed and remediated by EU directive. In this environment, the need for premium office space and the expansion of the retail sector present opportunities for engineering and green-building services, particularly those built as ‘zero emission’ buildings and to LEED standards.While much work has been done, extensive effort and investment is still required to upgrade and modernize Poland’s transportation infrastructure. Projects such as the expansion of the Metro line in Warsaw, the upgrading of the North-South railway system between Gdansk and Warsaw, and the modernization, and expansion of regional airports will continue for the next few years.All of this has created strong opportunities for businesses in renewable energy technologies, green building, waste management, and power generation
Two other areas in the energy sector that offer particularly strong sales opportunities are nuclear power and shale gas. The Polish government plans to complete its first nuclear power plant by 2024. This massive undertaking has created opportunities for reactor technology, engineering services, legal/regulatory services, and training services. Assuming Poland’s shale gas deposits transition into a production phase, this will produce a dramatic increase in the need for gas drilling rigs, gas field equipment, and services.
