¦l±skie voivodeship is situated in the south of Poland and borders Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It is Poland’s most industrialised region and one of the most industrialised in Europe. Until recently it was associated only with heavy industry. Although that sector continues to dominate (60 mines and 18 iron and steel works), it is now also known for its motor industry which is developing apace. Next to Mazowieckie and Wielkopolskie voivodeships, Silesia ranks among the country’s most attractive regions in terms of investments as well as lowest investment risks. Despite its industrial character, agricultural areas account for more than one-half of its area, and some 40% of its people live in rural areas.

Investment opportunities

• the most industrialised and urbanised region in Poland
• enormous potential and absorption capacity of the market - almost 5 million consumers
• well-developed road and railway transport, as well as telecommunication infrastructure, international Airport "Katowice" in Pyrzowice ensuring domestic and international transport, junction of A4 and A1 motorways, rail transport – the so-called Metallurgical Broad-gauge Line (LHS), proximity of the Czech and Slovakia borders
• diverse investment offer: industry, services, development and modernization of infrastructure, tourism, agriculture
• second region in Poland in terms of the number of big investors
• well-developed and diversified R&D base (44 universities, numerous R&D units, almost 200,000 students)
• active cross-border cooperation with the Czech Republic and Slovakia
• investment promotion incentives: Special Economic Katowice Zone offers building plots ready for investments in automotive sector and income tax reductions

Sectors with huge potential

• Automotive
• BPO
• High-tech
• Tourism

Files:

Economic information about voivodship

Investment attractiveness of voivodship in 2010