The celebration of Polish entrepreneurship has come to an end

Numerous entrepreneurs and representatives of the business world gathered at PGE Narodowy discussed, among other things, how best to prepare for foreign expansion, when it is best to expand into new markets and what are the most promising directions of development.

The opportunity to meet experts representing 70 foreign markets in person and in one place motivated several thousand entrepreneurs to participate in this year's PAIH Business Forum. During the event, representatives of the SME sector had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and establish new business contacts. I strongly believe that the hundreds of meetings that took place during the Forum will further strengthen Polish exports and translate into further contracts for Polish companies with foreign partners - emphasizesd Paweł Kurtasz, Chairman of the Management Board of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.

The two Economic Forums organized during the event also turned out to be a real magnet for entrepreneurs. Both the opening of the Poland-Africa Forum "Polish Relations with the Continent of the Future" and the II Forum for the Reconstruction of Ukraine gathered hundreds of interested parties. Entrepreneurs also participated in numerous panels devoted to these topics and asked many questions about these markets.

Such great interest in the Economic Forums organized by us confirms our observations about these markets. Africa is a particularly promising destination for investors. Dynamic economic development and increasing purchasing power of the inhabitants provide strong foundations for the intensification of economic cooperation. The reconstruction of Ukraine is also beginning to gain momentum, as every State, even during war, must be able to function. Both trade exchange rates and the interest of companies in the PAIH database prove that Polish business is continuously operating in Ukraine and wants to participate in its reconstruction - added Piotr Dytko, member of PAIH’s management board.

The greatest interest, which did not flag even for a moment, was enjoyed by PAIH’s Foreign Trade Office’s stands. However, many interested parties were also gathered around other stands where there were other PAIH experts and partners of the Forum. This year's novelty - the zone for meetings with speakers - was also very popular. This is where the participants could have mentoring conversations on topics of interest to them.

Another novelty of this year's edition of the event was the presentation of awards to companies, Local Government units and individuals most involved in the development of the Polish economy during the gala crowning the end of first day of the Forum. By awarding such titles as PAIH Export Leaders, the Agency wanted to emphasize how much entrepreneurs who decide to internationalize their business, do for the development of Poland. During the gala, the municipalities that have the most attractive sites for investments were also appreciated. During the Forum, awards were given in the tenth, jubilee edition of the nationwide competition "A site worthy of a Medal". During the event, some of PAIH's employees were also awarded "For Merit for the Development of the Economy of the Republic of Poland" by the Minister of Development and Technology. Honoring the Agency's experts in this way was ennobling for the entire organization.

The PAIH Business Forum 2023 was held under the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda. The strategic partner was the Polish Development Fund, and the main partners were: Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, the Polish Investment Zone, Kamienna Góra Small Enterprise SEZ, Invest Park Wałbrzych SEZ, Krakow Technology Park, Legnica SEZ, Pomeranian SEZ, Warmian-Masurian SEZ, Łódź SEZ, Euro-Park Mielec SSE Industrial Development Agency S.A., Słupsk SEZ, Ewo-Park Wisłosan Tarnobrzeg SEZ Industrial Development Agency S.A., Kostrzyn-Słubice SEZ, Suwałki SSE S.A. and Katowice SEZ. The substantive partner was the Warsaw School of Economics and the media patrons were Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, i.PL, Business Zone, Business Insider, TVP Info and TVP 3 Warsaw.

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About the Polish Investment and Trade Agency

The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) is an advisory institution that is part of the Polish Development Fund (PFR) Group. It is the first point of contact for exporters and investors. It operates both in Poland and through a network of its offices around the world. It strengthens the recognition of Polish brands on international markets, promotes domestic products and services as well as technological solutions made in Poland. The agency helps entrepreneurs choose their optimal path of expansion abroad. It also supports the inflow of foreign direct investments to Poland and the implementation of Polish investments in the country. PAIH cooperates with the public sector and regional partners, offering, among other things, training, audit and promotion of investment properties, cooperation in the organization of business missions and communication support in the implementation of joint projects.