| POLISH INFOMATION AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT AGENCY | |||||||||||||
 
NEWSLETTER
December 19th, 2013, Issue 361-362 | |||||||||||||
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NEWS Poland's best investors of 2013
The seventh PAIiIZ gala celebrating the best investors of the year was held in the stylish interiors of the Polonia Palace Hotel. The biggest and most significant foreign investments provided in 2013 were honoured at the event.
The list of nominees in the most innovative technologies of 2013 category included Borg Warner, Samsung Electronics R&D and Hamilton Sunstrand. The award went to the US company Borg Warner that will open a new technical centre and a production plant in Rzeszów. Technologies used by the company contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption and gas emissions. In the company's newest investment, the company will employ engineers and designers involved in the designing and testing of turbochargers and their components.
Amazon won first prize for the best company of 2013 in employment. The company announced this year that it will create three logistics centres in Poland, which will employ 6,000 people full-time. IBM was also awarded in the same category. This year, the IT leader decided to extend its presence in Poland by the new investment - Delivery Service Centre - in Katowice. Somfy was also one of the nominees of the best employment of 2013.
The biggest investment of the 2013 award went to General Motors Manufacturing Poland. This company will start a production line of fifth-generation Astras in Gliwice. The total cost of the investment is €95 million.
The lifetime achievement prize went to Procter&Gamble. This year P&G celebrates the 20th anniversary of its presence in Poland. In early December, P&G announced the opening of the European Centre for Planning and Logistics in Warsaw. The Centre will manage the supply chain to more than 100 countries and employ 500 people.
During the gala, a prize for the most interesting exhibit at the Designed in Poland exhibition held in Alberto Sordi gallery in Rome was also given. More information: www.paiz.gov.pl/20131213/best_inwestors_of_the_2013. (PAIiIZ) Shanghai local authorities in Poland
Closer cooperation between PAIiIZ and the local authorities of the city of Shanghai, and the economic situation of Poland and China in the era of economic turmoil were the highlights of the meeting between PAIiIZ president Sławomir Majman and deputy director of Cooperation and Exchange Office of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government - Sun Gubio, who was the head of the Chinese delegation.
President Sławomir Majman said that he wishes that the proportion of the trade balance between Poland and China, that is currently estimated at 1:11, is reduced to the level of 1:7. The importance of SMEs sector in Shanghai and Poland was also stressed while the meeting. The head of Chinese delegation noted that Chinese entrepreneurs are interested in setting up their factories and subsidiaries outside of China. Poland is seen as one of the most important destinations for them.
Over the past two years, PAIiIZ has been visited by more than 100 Chinese delegations. More information: www.paiz.gov.pl/20131216/shangai_local_authorities_in_poland (PAIiIZ) Supporting the regions - meeting in Bochnia
Entrepreneurs from across the Małopolska province came to Bochnia, to discuss the prospects of doing business in the coming years. The investment incentives awaiting entrepreneurs in Polish regions were presented by PAIiIZ deputy president Monika Piątkowska.
During the meeting, Ms Piątkowska explained the role of Polish special economic zones in supporting local entrepreneurs in the forthcoming years. Extending the SEZs’ operations to 2026 allows investors - not only from abroad, but also Polish ones, she stressed - to obtain various kinds of support: tax exemptions or investment plot on preferential terms. There are opportunities for SMEs as well as for big businesses in the forthcoming EU perspective 2014-2020 were also presented. €82.5 billion of funds is waiting to be used in the next six years. The new financial perspective focuses on innovation and the intense development of the R&D sector. More information: www.paiz.gov.pl/20131216/supporting_the_regions_meeting_in_bochnia (PAIiIZ) Role of the World Bank in supporting exporters and investor
On 18 December PAIiIZ held a seminar on investments supported by institutions of the World Bank Group.
Speakers encouraged Polish companies present at seminar to participate in projects supported by the World Bank and PAIiIZ institution. The Bank is shifting its activities towards Eastern Europe. Next year the institution will launch two large projects in Belarus: the construction of a heat source system based on biomass as well as construction of water supply pipes and sewage system. No Polish company has as yet applied for participation in these projects.
PAIiIZ has recently opened a department dedicated to Polish companies interested in entering global markets. The office provides help especially in foreign direct investments, mergers and foreign acquisitions. By cooperating with PAIiIZ, businesses are offered investment workshops, expert meetings, sector information, and advice in terms of best location. They can also participate in foreign economic missions and study tours. More information: www.paiz.gov.pl/20131218/role_of_the_world_bank_in_supporting_exporters_and_investors Georgian investment agency in Poland
From 15 to 21 December, PAIiIZ is providing internships for representatives of the Georgian National Investment Agency. The main purpose is to exchange experiences between both agencies on the system of incentives for investors and on the role of technology parks.
On 17 November, representatives of GNIA visited PAIiIZ. Guests were provided with information about the role of technology parks and special economic zones in Poland. They also learn about the investment climate and economic situation of the countries.
In 2010, a cooperation agreement between PAIiIZ and the Georgian National Investment Agency was signed to promote mutual cooperation and support for investors from both countries. More information: www.paiz.gov.pl/20131217/members_of_gnia_in_poland (PAIiIZ) Turkish developers visiting Poland
Turkish entrepreneurs representing the construction sector came to Poland at the invitation of PAIiIZ. As it was stated by the Agency's Managment's Board advisor Maciej Górski, next year can be crucial for the Polish-Turkish investments.
Representatives of the Turkish construction sector that came to Poland appreciated the economic potential of Poland and Turkey. They also stated that the construction industry is the most profitable sector in Turkey. The discussion also covered the issues of higher education.
The study tour is provided by PAIiIZ under Promotion Programme of the Polish Economy in Turkey. The visit finished on 11 December. More information: http://www.paiz.gov.pl/20131209/turkish_developers_visiting_poland (PAIiIZ) Summary of 2013 in the automotive industry
The approaching year-end is a good time for summing up plans for the next year in the automotive sector. These issues were discussed at an industry meeting, The Auto Forum & Business Days, held on 3-5 December in Wrocław.
For three days, speakers looked at innovation, patents and labour market opportunities in the automotive sector. Forum participants presented their products and services at exhibition stands, as well as taking part in meetings with potential buyers. On the last day of the event Auto Forum Club and PAIiIZ gave special awards called AutoMotivacje 2013 in three categories: business, personality and initiatives of 2013. The awards went to: Gedia Poland president Ryszard Gongora, Maciej Gwóźdź representing TRW Steering Systems Poland, Nexteer Automotive's deputy president Rafał Wyszomirski and Robert Bachorski from Sitech. The event was addressed to manufacturing companies in the automotive sector and held under the patronage of PAIiIZ. More information: www.paiz.gov.pl/20131205/summary_of_2013_in_automotive_industry INVESTMENTS IN POLAND Extension of Suwałki SSE
Suwałki Special Economic Zone has been extended by 30 hectares. It is estimated that in the next few years, around PLN 170m can be invested in this area. Moreover, nearly 560 new jobs can be created there.
The new land of Suwałki SEZ include Łomża and news plots around Suwałki, Ełk. Suwałki and Ełk are already covered by the zone. Due to that 50 new factories with a total value of nearly PLN 800m and total employment reaching 3,600 people, were build there. In the new EU financial perspective, Podlaskie province is one of the four with the highest rates of founds support in the country. (MG) Shell develops the business
One of the biggest BPO centres with branch offices in Krakow that belongs to Shell Poland, has received a permit to operate within Kraków Technology Park. The company will employ at least 150 new people and invest about PLN 500,000.
The permit refers to the expansion of already established Shell Financial and Accounting Centre. Shell is a global energetic and petrochemical group, employing 93,000 people in more than 90 countries around the world. This is the 136 permit given by Kraków Economic Zone this year. (KPT) Polish company in the Pomeranian SEZ
WIKA Poland SGF will build a factory equipped with intelligent building management system in the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone. The construction cost has been estimated at over PLN 80m. The company will employ 300 people there. Two manufacturing halls, office building and technical building with the entire infrastructure, including compressors, industrial gases, tanks with glycerine and silicone will be included in the newest development. The plant will produce mechanical pressure gauges. (Pomeranian SEZ) New projects in SEZs
In Piechowice a new warehouse of German company WEPA Professional has been opened. The company also received another permit for the expansion of its plant. Dr. Schneider Automotive Poland starts its new projects. The new PLN 175m investment will help to strengthening the position of the company in European and world markets. Ultimately, the company will employ 360 people. In addition, Dr. Schneider Automotive Poland Holding has declared its intention to create an innovative project worth PLN 176.5m and to employ at least 80 people in the area. Dr. Schneider Capital Group specialises in the production of high-quality plastic products for the automotive industry - such as innovative ventilation systems or highly integrated covers for car interiors and modules for dashboards. (Mo-Jo Multimedia) Bea-Star expands the business
Bea-Star Factory of Screws and Fasteners received permission to conduct business in the Starachowice SEZ. The firm will invest PLN 2m.
The company will expand the existing business, introduce new technologies and expand the range of products. MACROECONOMIC POLAND EVENTS Training for SMEs in Tokyo
EU-Japan for Industrial Cooperation invites companies to participate in the 50th HRTP-Japan Industry Insight.
The four-week programme allows participants to understand the culture and rules of doing business in Japan. The programme consists of lectures, seminars and visits to Japanese companies. The training is dedicated to small and medium-sized companies which already conduct the business relation with Japanese partners or intend to start business activities in Japan. The programme begins on 12 May and finishes on 6 June in Tokyo. The deadline for applications is 13 February 2014. ANALYSES AND REPORTS The increase in foreign trade
According to preliminary data compiled by GUS (Central Statistical Office), from January to October 2013, export of goods from Poland increased by 6%, reaching a value of €127.5 billion. Imports was worth €128.7 billion and was higher by 0.1 % than last year.
Exports to emerging markets rose by 12.9% reaching €23.5 billion, increasing at a faster rate than to developed markets (an increase by 4.5% to €104 billion). Imports from developed markets recorded an increase by 1.2% to €84.3 billion, while imports from the emerging markets declined by 1.9% were estimated at €44.3 billion.
Among the major recipients of Polish goods in the EU, the highest increase of exports was marked by Sweden (increase by 8.7%), Slovakia (increase by 7.8%), Hungary (increase by 11%), Belgium (increase by 12.6%) and Spain (increase by 10.9%). Exports to Poland’s main trading partner - Germany - increased only by 4.4%. (to about €31.9 billion). Among the emerging markets that recorded the fastest increase of exports (total increase by 17.7% to €10.6 billion) were: UAE with an impressive 68% increase, Republic of Korea with 36% increase and China with 14% increase. Across the sectors, exports of agri-food products recorded the fastest rise by 11.5% to €16.4 billion. Chemical products with an increase by 7.9% (to €18.3 billion) was in second place. (CSO/MG) FROM THE REGIONS Tarnobrzeg Industrial and Technological Park officially opened
Technology parks are considered as modern economic zones designed to support the development of the city, the region and local businesses. On 6 December the latest park - the Tarnobrzeg Industry and Technology Park - was officially opened.
Tarnobrzeg Industry and Technology Park has been opened to improve the competitiveness of the city's investment offer and to stimulate the local entrepreneurship by implementing good background to conduct innovative business as well as to support local start-ups. (TPPT) DID YOU KNOW...? Polish Christmas Eve is one of the healthiest in Europe
In the ranking of the Christmas menu published by Lifesum portal, Poland was ranked in third place just after France and the Czech Republic.
The French Christmas menu includes smoked salmon, fresh oysters or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. On the Czech table one can find fish soup and potato salad. Poland with its traditional dishes consisting of fish, cabbage and poppy-seed cake was ranked at the third place. On the other hand, British menu was considered as the fattiest and unhealthiest in Europe.
The survey on the most unhealthy Christmas menu was conducted among employees of embassies of European countries located in London, that had to describe native Christmas dishes. Researchers examined the level of fat and sugar in each dish and ranked the countries. Results of the research were published by the Daily Mail. (dailymail.co.uk) 
Proof-read by: Editorial office: Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency, 00-585 Warsaw, Bagatela Street 12 Information and Communication Department, tel: +48 22 334 99 49, fax: +48 22 334 99 99, e-mail: redakcja@paiz.gov.pl | |||||||||||||
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