Internationalisation as a milestone in company development
Polish companies are more frequently choosing to internationalise their business activities. They include boat and yacht manufacturers (we are one of the biggest producers of 6-11 metre vessels, second only to the USA) and companies from the food industry regarded as the European leaders. During Expo 2020 Dubai, Poland has been establishing new business contacts in Middle Eastern and African markets. This process has been facilitated by a comprehensive economic programme prepared by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency for approx. 2,500 Polish companies.
Expo 2020 Dubai presents a unique opportunity for Polish companies to expand into Middle Eastern and African markets and simultaneously an important step in the internationalisation of their business.
The interest in foreign expansion programmes among Polish companies is evidenced by numbers. More than 1,250 companies have applied for the Internationalisation of SMEs competition. In turn, over 4,500 entrepreneurs took part in the previous editions of Go to Brand, of which more than 2,500 received grants. Both programmes are implemented by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.
The Partnership Programme of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency is one of the elements that support entrepreneurs in their foreign expansion. At the World Exhibition in Dubai, it is used, among others, by LUG – one of the international leaders of innovative luminaires and lighting systems, Lubiana – a modern producer of porcelain, and Barwa System – a company operating on the market of finishing materials.
Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive place for investors. In the FDI Business Financial Times ranking, the Katowice Special Economic Zone was named the best economic zone in Europe.
Many state institutions and regional funds help Polish businesses to internationalise. The Polish Investment and Trade Agency responsible for the participation of our country in Expo 2020 Dubai aims to increase the inflow of direct foreign investments into the country and the dynamics of the internationalisation of Polish enterprises.
Economic programme at Expo 2020 Dubai opens Polish business to the world
During Expo 2020, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency has created the first economic programme of this scale, comprising over a dozen initiatives, in cooperation with its Partners. It shows the potential of new markets in the Middle East and supports Polish companies in terms of promotion, organisation and finances. The Partnership Programme, which has created many opportunities for commercial collaboration, is an important part of this initiative. To this date, agreements under the Partnership Programme have been concluded with 20 companies. They include LUG – one of the international leaders in the manufacture of innovative luminaires and lighting systems. The company currently operates in 67 markets worldwide, employs 670 people and has 12 regional offices in Poland. LUG has been operating on the market since 1989 and plans further expansion, including to South America. Barwa System is also one of the companies whose activities extend beyond the Polish market. It is one of the largest producers of finishing materials in Poland. The company was launched in 1994 and has supplied the European market with over 200,000 m2 of metal ceilings. They consistently take advantage of internationalisation programmes, such as the Polish Technology Bridges. In turn, Lubiana is a modern producer of porcelain that has been operating on the market since 1969. It is currently conducting sales in 40 countries around the world. It produces around 3,500,000 products per month and is constantly working with design studios in Germany and Italy.
Internationalisation programmes
Go to Brand Expo 2020 provides Polish companies with the opportunity to acquire financial support for the promotion of product brands, for example, during trade fairs in the United Arab Emirates organised before and after the World Expo. The programme trade fair events involve more than a dozen industries and innovative economic sectors. An important role in activating entrepreneurs on foreign markets is also played by the Polish Technology Bridges project implemented by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. It aims to support innovative companies in the internationalisation of their business activities. Consultancy and training services, as well as an established strategy for expansion into selected markets, help to achieve this goal. Companies can receive up to PLN 180,000 in funding as part of the project. In addition, entrepreneurs seeking development opportunities in foreign markets have an opportunity to take part in workshops and consultations, acquire practical knowledge on specific destinations, as well as receive a place to work in one of PAIH’s Foreign Trade Offices. The PTB project provides substantive and logistical support and helps in establishing contacts with potential partners and investors. It is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and its implementation is planned for 2018-2023.
Special economic zones as a safe haven for investors
The Katowice Special Economic Zone was recognised as the best economic zone in Europe in 2015 – 2017 and 2019 by FDI Business Financial Times. Moreover, it was distinguished as the second-best zone in the world in the same ranking. The Katowice Special Economic Zone is considered to be the leader among Polish special economic zones. Currently, it includes 540 enterprises, which have jointly invested around PLN 44 billion and created almost 90,000 jobs. Opel Manufacturing Poland, Isuzu Motors Polska and Electrolux are examples of investments made within the KSEZ.
