Lubelskie focused on exports

Local companies, members of public administration and representatives of science came to Lublin to discuss the impact of the governmental Responsible Development Plan on the Lublin export opportunities and the inflow of foreign investment to the region.

Marshall of Lubelskie province and vice-president of the Agency with a signed agreement of cooperation

‘In Poland, the level of internationalization of companies in the SME segment is low’, Senger explained. ‘It is the result of the diffused and ineffective system of public support for the business in Poland’, he added. As he argued, until recently, Polish entrepreneurs have been focused on neighbouring markets, mainly in the European Union. Now, the situation should change thanks to the introduction of the new programme of support for Polish exporters and investors. Prepared by public institutions of the Polish Development Found, the programme will make foreign expansion much easier. The programme targets distant markets with the biggest business opportunities for Polish entrepreneurs. Companies that enter the programme, will be equipped will appropriate tools for international expansion. As explained by experts of the Agency, at the very beginning of the cooperation with institutions affiliated to PFR, including Polish Investment and Trade, Polish company will can get the assistance of a project manage, who will guide it to reach the business goals on chosen foreign markets. In addition, entrepreneurs will be also able to use network Foreign Trade Office of the Agency, that is constantly growing. They are being opened in countries with the greatest potential for Polish business.

The assistance on distant market, however, is not enough. The model of  creating the competitive advantage of Polish business active abroad need to be changed. Many Polish companies compete with others by low price. It is a result of a simple forms of cooperation with foreign partners. ‘ The low level of innovation of Polish business is a barrier in the exports’, Senger explained. ‘We need to encourage businesses to be more involved in research and development and thus to offer much more innovative products and services that are easier to sell in a very competitive global market’, said executive vice-president of the Agency.

Development of relationships between the central and local partners in Lubelskie province was one of the highlights of the meeting. ‘Cooperation with Polish regions is crucial. There is no better partner than a region when it comes to foreign expansion of Polish business’, Seger argued.  He also noticed that entrepreneurs successful on global markets should expect strengthening their position  also in Poland. ‘The company with a status of a global player is much more recognizable all over the country. Therefore, it is easier for it to win new business partners, locally’, he added.

Durign the meeting, Mr Senger and the Marshal of the Lubelskie Province Sławomir Sosnowski signed a cooperation agreement between the Polish Investment and Trade Agency and the authorities of the province (Polish Investment and Trade)