Wielkopolska hedges its bets on the economy
Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region
Q: What is the economic potential of Wielkopolska and in which areas is it developing?
A: Undoubtedly Wielkopolska is among Poland’s economic leaders. The potential built over the years, the characteristics of its inhabitants and the forward-looking policies of the region’s authorities are bringing results. Among all the 16 Polish regions we hold third place in terms of the amount of Gross Domestic Product per resident, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates, and two months ago we were ranked as one of the two most dynamically developing Polish regions. The electroengineering industry, particularly the production of cars and buses, is the backbone of our economy. The Volkswagen corporation and the Solaris company - producer of modern buses, are in the forefront. Furthermore, the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries are also developing dynamically in the region. High quality of their products allows our companies compete successfully on global markets. Wielkopolska is ranked third among Polish regions in terms of export value. The European Union is our major export destination. Thanks to the well-developed agricultural sector and the quality of its products, good and healthy food is becoming the region’s specialty on the EU market. The future of Wielkopolska’s economy lays in innovation and competitiveness, which are both our priorities for development and growth. EU resources will support our regional policies.
Q: What is the atmosphere for foreign investment in Wielkopolska?
A: From the beginning of the socio-economic transformation in Poland, Wielkopolska has been one of the most attractive regions for investors. The international corporations very quickly recognised the opportunities being offered by our region. They were next followed by the smaller enterprises. Between 1990 – 2006 foreign companies invested in Wielkopolska 8.22 billon USD. Foreign investors are most interested in the production, service and commercial sectors. Investments in the automotive, food and pharmaceutical industries are constantly growing. The Fitch Ratings Agency raised the national long-term rating for Wielkopolska Region from AA to AA+. In practice, it means further increase in our financial credibility, which is usually followed by the further increase of international business inflow. The growing transport infrastructure has a great influence on investment growth too. The A2 motorway being under construction in Wielkopolska, alongside whith a railline adapted to the European fast transport system, are the major communication axis linking our region with the EU countries and Central Poland, and further with Eastern Europe. The international Poznañ-£awica Airport also plays a major communication role. This is why constant grow of this facility is one of our region’s strategic development priorities.
Q: Which economic sectors need foreign partners?
A: Foreign capital is welcomed in every sector. But our main focus is on new technologies and services. We need to have businesses that use the most advanced technological solutions in their daily work so that our region can be competitive on the global market. The introduction of the most modern technologies and popularising various forms of innovative solutions by foreign partners goes hand in hand with a well qualified IT workforce and modern services from the so-called support businesses which we offer in our region.
Q: An important task associated with the public mission of the region’s Local Government Administration is to stimulate enterprise. What type of assistance can a foreign businessman count on from you and from other local government institutions in the region?
A: Businesses starting their activities in Wielkopolska can count on a broad range of types of support from us – starting from grants, advisory services, wide range of financial services, to assistance from local authorities in the selection and location of their investments, especially if they are creating new work places. 329 million EUR from the European Regional Development Fund for years 2007-2013 has been allocated for activities strengthening business competitiveness via the Wielkopolska’s Regional Operational Programme. The Wielkopolska Agency for Enterprise Development, established by the Local Government, gives loans to small and medium sized enterprises, manages the Regional Export Centre and the Regional Investor Assistance Centre. We also work very closely with towns and districts within our region.
Q: Does Wielkopolska welcome economic cooperation with foreign companies?
A: Most often our region is associated with the renowned Poznań International Fairs and various trade events held in our capital city of Poznañ for more than 80 years. One could say that it is our historical testimony to the fact that we are open to international economic cooperation. The Local Government of the Wielkopolska Region systematically supports local businesses interested in economic cooperation and export. We organise various conferences with the participation of international guests, and we take part in economic events and trade fairs abroad. The economy is one of the most important areas of our cooperation with foreign partners. Inter-regional projects within the European Community are associated principally with supporting new forms of entrepreneurship, introducing innovation and funding innovative projects. Some of them also include international cooperation of small and medium sized enterprises and transfer of scientific knowledge to the economy. We endeavour to take advantage of every form of cooperation that serves the region well.
