The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is very confident about Poland’s future. The EBRD has invested €5.5 billion in Poland to date, including €2 billion over the past two years. These investments have included equity as well as support for small and medium sized enterprises.
“The whole Polish financial sector has been supported by these funds and much of the support has also been directed towards the energy sector as Poland works to comply with EU criteria on climate change by launching projects on energy efficiency and clean energies,” says Lucyna Stanczak, the EBRD’s Country Manager for Poland. She notes that as international support and FDI continue to flow into Poland, many Polish companies in a variety of sectors are now able to move into new markets, particularly elsewhere in Eastern Europe and Russia.
The EBRD is particularly focusing on projects in Poland which have an environmental component. Lucyna Stanczak says, “Of course the EBRD is looking to support projects with a positive return, but the bank is even more interested in projects which will have a positive impact on the environment.” Poland is working hard to meet EU environmental standards and the many ‘green’ projects currently underway or planned throughout the country offer exciting opportunities for foreign investors, companies and suppliers.
EBRD cites range of investment attractions
The greatest challenge for Poland today, according to Lucyna Stanczak, is to ensure the strength of the domestic capital market in spite of the euro zone crisis. Nevertheless the EBRD is confident that Poland will meet the challenge and continue to offer outstanding opportunities for investors.
Lucyna Stanczak cites Poland’s history of strong economic performance, stability, highly educated workforce, and wide range of sectors with growth potential as key reasons to invest in the country. She points out that Poland offers particularly interesting opportunities in the energy, high technology and transport infrastructure sectors. She says, “EU structural funds have definitely helped Poland achieve success and will continue to create new investment options as infrastructure development continues. Poland also offers a good legal framework for business, the market is not yet saturated, and the government is very supportive of projects which will promote innovation.”
The EBRD welcomes the chance to work with investors to make projects in Poland a success. Lucyna Stanczak says, “Look to the EBRD as a partner when you are looking into a high-risk, high-reward project.”
