Situated in the most economically developed region of Poland, the City of Poznan is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and well-educated, competent work force. Mariusz Wisniewski, Deputy Mayor of Poznan discusses the city’s current projects and planned activities in attracting foreign investments.
European Times: What are some of the major projects realized in your mandate?
Mariusz Wisniewski: The first area of my responsibility is the education sector. In this context, the city’s activities were directed towards the development of the educational facilities, more specifically the construction and expansion of new schools and kindergartens, built mainly in the areas with increased population growth.
In terms of regeneration and city’s renewal, we have obtained EU funds for the revitalization of the strict city centre, restoring the whole district of streets in the central area. One of our most successful projects is the revitalization of the river side along the Warta River, project that increased the attractiveness and brought back the Poznan’s citizens and the tourists that visit the city. We have also established 24 hours crisis centre, responsible for the maintenance of the city’s security.
The Mayor together with the City Council has worked on different promotional campaigns in order to attract investors from Poland and abroad, acting towards becoming one of the largest business centre in Poland.
European Times: Please elaborate on the City’s usage of the EU funds.
Mariusz Wisniewski: Poznan has been large consumer of EU funds in the past and in the current prospective as well. These funds are used mainly for the development of the road infrastructure and public transportation, such as the construction of important travel section that connects the Poznan’s north area and the modernization of other travel lines. In collaboration with other municipalities, Poznan is building a system of park and ride car parks, located to the bus and tram terminals, with main aim to facilitate the transportation and decrease the traffic in the city centre.
The EU funds are also used in the education sector, focusing on the vocational schools, student programs and programs for the development of teachers’ skills. The maintenance and protection of the objects of historical heritage and in social aspect, the construction of new nurseries for children are also financed by these funds.
European times: Why should foreign investors target Poznan?
Mariusz Wisniewski: One important aspect for the foreign investors is the favourably close location between Berlin and Warsaw. The city is also associated with hard working, reliable, highly educated and skilful work force. We have many investors that have opened advanced production plants, logistics facilities and service centres in our city. In this context, Poznan is highly interested in new investments in innovative sectors.
