Regional internationalisation programmes as a window to the world for business
Polish companies from 9 provinces are establishing contacts in the Middle East
Regional internationalisation programmes provide an opportunity for Polish companies from different provinces to participate in trade missions and international fairs. The most important event of this kind is Expo 2020 Dubai, which brings together the entire economic world in one place.
Polish companies from 9 provinces (Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Podlaskie, Łódzkie, Dolnośląskie, Lubuskie, Śląskie, Podkarpackie and Lubuskie) are already taking full advantage of the opportunities offered by regional internationalisation programmes.
During 6 months of the World Exhibition, the total of around 2,500 companies benefiting from the economic programme for Expo 2020 Dubai, for implementation of which was the responsibility of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. The aim is to increase the inflow of foreign direct investment into the country and the scope and dynamics of internationalisation among Polish enterprises.
Participants of the provincial internationalisation programmes take part in numerous industry conferences, seminars, presentations and visits to the headquarters and production facilities of potential partners, and gain practical knowledge about the business environment and culture in individual markets.
Regional internationalisation programmes are intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that want to develop their activities in new markets. One project of this type is currently being implemented by Fundusz Górnośląski S.A. together with the Marshall’s Office of the Silesian Province. It provides comprehensive support to companies in the region and creates favourable conditions for investment and foreign expansion. As part of the internationalisation programme, entrepreneurs from Silesia take part in economic missions on regular basis (e.g. to Tunisia, Croatia or Georgia), international trade fairs (Arab Health or Gitex Technology), information meetings and training sessions with experienced coaches, experts and practitioners related to business internationalisation. Some of them participated in Silesia Week at Expo 2020 Dubai. From 27 January to 2 February 2022, in the Poland Pavilion, entrepreneurs operating in new technologies, energy, mobility, food processing and storage technologies sectors, had the opportunity to present the economic and cultural potential of the region. On 30 January 2022, there was an economic conference – Silesia at Expo Dubai – attended by Silesian and Emirati companies. Its aim was to establish business contacts with potential contractors from the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the Middle East region.
Representatives of Silesian companies also participated in the most important events related to Polish presence at Expo 2020 Dubai – the Polish-Arab Economic Forum (6 December 2021) and the Polish Day (7 December 2021). They took part in thematic panels on green energy, food safety, Polish design and the digital economy.
Enterprise Internationalisation and regional specialisations
During the temporary exhibition of the Lublin province at Expo 2020 Dubai, companies from the region participated, i.a., in two conferences promoting the region’s potential in medicine and agri-food production. The event was held as a part of an economic mission, during which 15 Lublin entrepreneurs introduced themselves to foreign partners. Their representatives also participated in a side event of the World Exhibition – the Gulfood Fair (12 – 17 February 2022). The aim was to present the investment potential of the Lublin Province within the key and perspective sectors of the region’s economy, as well as to provide financial and substantive support to entrepreneurs wishing to enter new foreign markets.
Companies from the Łódź Province have also benefited from the opportunities offered by the regional internationalisation programme. It was the reason why entrepreneurs took part in Expo 2020 Dubai. The trip was combined with participating in and attending business meetings at Beautyworld Middle East. This is the largest international event of this kind for companies offering beauty products and wellness services in the Middle East. Łódź-based companies in industries such as medicine, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are gradually increasing their share of foreign markets and present significant export potential in the United Arab Emirates.
Between 4 and 8 February 2022, the economic mission of companies from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province took place. It was attended by entrepreneurs from the plastic products and toolmaking industries, and the trip was held as part of the Invest in Bit CITY 2 internationalisation project. Companies from the Lesser Poland region also participated in b2b meetings with potential contractors from the Middle East, and their visit coincided with, i.a., the Polish-Arabic Economic Forum. The Lubuskie region companies, which are part of smart specialisation sectors (green economy, health and quality of life, innovative industry), had the opportunity to promote their region at the World Exhibition. There were also visits to institutions and organisations supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and international cooperation – including the PAIH Foreign Trade Office in Dubai.
