BizPoland Magazine - May 2012

May 2012 vol. 4 no. 4(28)

Inside the fickle fortunes of Poland’s fish industry

Trade:

FDI:

Events:

China and Poland dee pen strategic partnership

Dubai and Gulf States delegations seek investment

Lublin courts BPO Outsourcing clients with conference and new offices

p. 10

p. 9

p. 20

May 4–7

Food Exports Inside the fickle fortunes of Poland’s fish industry

8 9 10

Trade PM Tusk leads business delegation to Gulf states Dubai Investment forum draws large Polish delegation China and Poland deepen strategic partnership

Wind Energy 12–13 Green light for green energy in 2013 Foreign Investment 14–15 FDI News 16–17 Chamber of Commerce News 18 19 20

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Business Calendar Events Dubai Investment forum draws large Polish delegation Lublin courts BPO Outsourcing clients with conference and new offices Wiadomosci Handlowe – Retailer Awards Warsaw Fashion Weekend

Organic Marketing Forum, Poland-Canada Chamber Business Mixer, British Week 2012, PSEW Polish Wind Energy Association, ASPIRE Outsourcing conference, CEE IPO Summit, PGA Polska Golf Cup, Polish-Spanish Chamber Family Picnic

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Food Exports

Inside the fickle fortunes of Poland’s fish industry The little Baltic seaside village of Ustka is an unlikely location for the largest salmon processing plant in the world. Known mostly for its picturesque beaches and hordes of tourists in the summer months, Ustka is also home to Morpol, led not by a fishmonger, but a trained engineer, Jerzy Malek.

Poland’s fish business is growing up fast.

Faced with pressure on profit margins, the leaders, like Malek, are adding value via processing and selling to western European markets, while the laggards are drowning as margins and profits sink.

“Malek is an extraordinary entrepreneur”, said one of his colleagues at the recent Euro Seafood expo in Brussels. “I’ve

never seen anything like it”, he said, referring to the salmon processing plant in Ustka. “They use every imaginable part of the fish”.

With nearly 200 engineers employed at Morpol, Malek is bringing modern management techniques and processing engineering to an unconsolidated and unsophisticated industry. Morpol imports fish processing machinery, then his engineers get to work, re-engineering the machinery to extract as much value from the salmon that is mostly imported from Norway and Scotland.

From a modest start in the fish canning business, Malek’s Morpol has emerged as “the” power to reckon with in the European salmon business. After raising 160 million euro in June 2010 via an IPO on the Oslo Stock Exchange, Morpol has used its financial firepower and operational excellence to become “fully integrated, from farm to fork”. The firm exports to more than 30 countries, with Germany its biggest market, and is the single largest food exporter from Poland.

Like Poland’s car manufacturers, TV producers and global outsourcing firms, Morpol has applied the same business model to the fish industry: produce and process in Poland, and sell to Europe and the world.

Dead in the water

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Jerzy Malek is one of Poland’s wealthiest men, the f ounder and the majority shareholder of Morpol. He is a serial entrepreneur and has established and run a variety of successful businesses in Poland and Australia, and has also lived and worked in Canada (1974–1976) and Australia (1980–1990). He has been active in fish businesses since 1990 and has been the Chief Executive Officer of Morpol since its establishment in 1996.

Malek, together with close associates, controls 75 million shares in Morpol, currently valued at about 100 million ■ euro.

While Morpol seems to have found its sea legs, Poland’s Wilbo, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, appears unable to keep its head above water. The resignation of its president, Tomasz Konewka, effective 1st May, follows a string of bad news for the fish processing firm, which ranks number 171 in the list of Top Food Exporters.

Wilbo recently reported a loss of 28 million pln in 2011, on heels of a 16 million pln loss in 2010.

But some other fish processors from Poland are acutely aware of the opportunities for growing and thriving by selling to western consumers. At the annual Euro Seafood expo in Brussels, held in midApril, several Polish fish firms were actively promoting their exports and creating new products and packaging for western European markets. Firms like Abramczyk, Nord Capital and Limito – all with stands

John-Paul McGinley, COO, Morpol Morpol was founded in 1996 in Ustka on the Baltic coast of Poland by the CEO Jerzy Malek. The original activity was canning cod liver. In 1998 this evolved into salmon processing as the potential of salmon aquaculture, first in Norway then other countries, and the growing demand for smoked salmon in Europe became clear. Salmon processing at Morpol has flourished continuously ever since. vThe Morpol Group is now the world leading processor of salmon and market leader with smoked and marinated salmon. The group employs over 4200 people, including contracted personnel, and has sales, processing and farming activities in eight coun■ tries around the world.

at Euro Seafood – are investing in building their sales networks and modernizing their fish processing equipment.

Morpol’s salmon life-cycle While some of the world’s best salmon is grown in Norway and Scotland, much of it is shipped to Poland to be processed and packaged, before being sent west again to leading salmon consumer markets like France, Germany and England.

May 2012

www.bizpoland.pl When Morpol first entered the value added salmon products market in 1998 it needed a commercial edge to gain a foothold. That edge was quality; founded on strict purchasing criteria and Morpol’s unique, purpose-built processing equipment. The CEO’s engineering background was a significant factors in the design of the equipment. At the time Poland was not a member of the European Union and Morpol products faced an import tariff. Even so, quality and value for money earned the products space on the shelves of many EU retailers. After Poland’s accession to the EU in May 2004, sales grew rapidly.

In addition to consumer ideas from Morpol’s sales teams, the Morpol equipment design team continuously strive to make better use of the fish raw material arriving at the processing plant. In addition, the expanding volumes further increase the company’s production efficiency, enabling Morpol to remain highly competitive.

Consolidation and Acquisitions Cooperation between Morpol and the world’s largest salmon supplier Marine Harvest from 2003 and processor Royal Greenland, from 2005, raised Morpol’s profile and brought valuable knowledge and experience. And from 2007, Morpol

Food Exports began its drive to make acquisitions in western Europe, beginning with the acquisition of the Laschinger Group in Germany, which at that time was the leading smoked salmon processor in Europe. Sales offices were then set up in Japan, UK, France, US, and Italy during the years 2007-2010, which had the “virtual circle” effect of boosting production volumes, which led to improved processing margins.

Seeing an opportunity for a “transformative step”, Morpol tapped the capital markets in Oslo, Norway, in June 2010 with its IPO. According to John-Paul McGinley, COO of Morpol, the company raised money in Norway because of the strong local knowledge of the fish processing industry. The firm sold about 52 million new shares in the IPO, priced at about 23 Norwegian Kroner, and the firm began trading on the Oslo Stock Exchange on 30 June, 2010.

Armed with a war chest of capital, Morpol has been on an acquisition spree to make upstream acquisitions of salmon farming operations. Four farming activities were purchased in Scotland in 2010, as well as the purchase of a UK smoked salmon processor that doubled their market share in the UK. In combination, the breeding, hatchery, freshwater activities, sea sites and smoker in the UK make

Morpol a fully integrated supplier of Scottish smoked salmon.

In February 2011, the farming company Jøkelfjord Laks AS was purchased in Norway.

Morpol’s company-owned farming activities now provide over 40 percent of the salmon raw material required by Morpol and have the potential to be expanded.

All sea lanes lead to Ustka – and out again Morpol processed approximately 70000 tonnes of salmon in 2010 at its plant in Ustka. It is the largest value added plant in the world for salmon. Operating on this scale at a single site provides economies of scale and opportunities for economic use of a greater proportion of the fish. For example, trimmings are combined in sufficient quantities and processed to provide a consistent supply of packaged products. Fish of lower grade or outside size specifications are also processed, packaged and re-exported.

The acquisitions of the four salmon farming operations in Scotland placed Morpol in a strong position to grow its presence in the UK market. As with the French market, prices are relatively high compared with the German market, and the variation in quality is not necessarily linked to the price. continued on page 6

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Food Exports continued from page 5

Building and buying brands The acquisition of Brookside Products in September 2010, approximately doubled Morpol’s share of the UK smoked salmon market to 20 percent and with the John West brand provides further growth potential. Combined with farming operations that begin with broodstock, Brookside Products makes Morpol the UK’s only fully integrated supplier of smoked salmon.

The location of a significant proportion of the Scottish farming operations on the Orkney Islands offered a further branding option. Morpol’s ambition is to grow the UK smoked salmon market above that of Germany, to make it the second largest in

Europe. Morpol also benefits from sales of fresh Scottish salmon products in both the UK and French markets.

Dual Listing on Warsaw Stock Exchange ?

While Morpol’s stock pr ice is down more than 60% since its June 2010 IPO, the firm may be considering a dual listing on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, which would boost its profile among Polish institutional investors, and theoretically improve the company’s valuation by making it easier for Polish investors to buy shares.

With a dominant footprint in European salmon farming and processing, brands well-known in Germany, UK and France, and its low-cost processing base in Poland, Morpol should be well-positioned to grow

its market share and profitability over the coming years. Their strategy of “buy commodities; sell brands” and using Poland as a lower-cost production and processing base is a model that entrepreneurs may be ■ keen to copy.

Polish fish companies exhibiting at Euro Seafood, Brussels, April 2012 ABRAMCZYK Company LTD J.P. Klausen & Co. A/S - Poland Limito S.A. Nord Capital Sp z.o.o Pescanova Polska Sp. zo.o.

Rex-Pol Sp. z o.o.

Sona Sp. z o.o.

Key Seafood Exporters in Poland (Source: Polish Ministry of Finance; ranking based on revenues from export [NB Rankings are for all sectors, not sector-specific]; Ministry refused to disclose precise revenue numbers)

1 Morpol S.A.

16 Marine Harvest Poland

Duninowo 39, 76-270 Ustka; tel. 59 814 38 35; morpol@morpol.com; www.morpol.com Key products: Cold smoked salmon, fresh salmon, marinated salmon, sockeye, salmon trout Products exported: Cold smoked salmon, fresh salmon, marinated salmon, sockeye, salmon trout Export destinations: Germany, France, Japan, USA, UK Exports Revenue: 400 mln EUR

ul. Marynarki Polskiej 79, 76-270 Ustka tel. 59 815 21 41 Key products: Salmon, halibut, seafood (brands: Delifish, Ducktrap, The Organic Salmon, Donegal Silver Salmon, Kendall Brook, Kristen, La Couronne, Pieters, Sterling White Halibut, Xalar Salmon Oil) Products exported: Salmon, halibut, seafood

7 Espresen Polska ul. Mieszka I 29, 7 5-124 Koszalin Key products: Cod, saithe (czarniak), frozen fish fillets, breaded fish products Products exported: Fish

23 Lisner ul. Strzeszyńska 38/42, 60-479 Poznań tel. 61 849 55 01; fax 61 849 55 62 sekretariat@lisner.com.pl; www.lisner.pl Key products: Canned fish, fish paste, fish salads, frozen products Products exported: Canned fish, fish paste, fish salads, frozen products Notes: Lisner is part of Group Homann.

14 Suempol

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ul. Białostocka 69A, 17-100 Bielsk Podlaski tel. 85 730 60 24; fax 85 730 60 26 www.suempol.pl Key products: Salmon, smoked salmon Products exported: Salmon, smoked salmon Notes: In 2011 firm added another production hall, which will significantly increase productivity. In addition to the production hall is a new social-office building, which will also be equipped with modern laboratory facilties, meeting all the standards of the EU.

25 Royal Greenland Seafood ul. Bojowników o Wolność i Demokrację 15, 75-209 Koszalin; tel. 94 344 92 00; fax 94 344 92 01 www.royalgreenland.com Key products: Shrimp, fish fillets, smoked products, seafood Products exported: Shrimp, fish fillets, smoked products, seafood Notes: Royal Greenland has local sales offices in several European countries as well as in

Japan and China. Company has also processing facilities in Greenland, Denmark, Germany, Poland and Canada. Furthermore, and the floating plants – trawler fleet in Greenland.

38 King Oscar/Rieber Foods Polska S.A. Gniewino 84-250; tel. 58 670 65 00 Key products: Canned fish (herring, cod, tuna, mackerel, sprat) Products exported: Canned fish (herring, cod, tuna, mackerel, sprat) Export destinations: AUS, B, J, N, CZ, ZA, RUS, RO, SK, USA, H

52 Koral ul. Za Dworcem 13, 83-110 Tczew tel. 58 531 32 77; fax 58 531 78 58 tczew@koral.pl Key products: Smoked and marinated salmon Products exported: Smoked and marinated salmon Notes: Owner of the firm is Grall S.A. Company plans IPO on Warsaw Stock Exchange. Koralm sells under its own brands: Koral, SuperFish, Black Rose and own-branded via large food-networks.

53 Laurin Seafood ul. Pionierów 10, 84-300 Lębork Key products: Fish and crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates.

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www.bizpoland.pl Products exported: Fish and crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates.

80 Ternaeben Polska ul. Wspólna 3, 84-360 Łeba tel. 59 866 42 50 fax. 59 866 42 52 info@ternaeben.pl; www.ternaeben.eu Key products: smoked fish Products exported: smoked fish

Food Exports tel. 59 847 27 00 do 703; lososustka@lososustka.com.pl; www.lososustka.com.pl Key products: canned fish, fish Products exported: konserwy rybne, ryby Export destinations: CZ, SK, SL, RO, H

157 Fabryka Przetworów Rybnych Mieszko Sp. z o.o.

Warszkowo 117a, 76-100 Warszkowo tel. 59 810 52 66

195 Lucky Union Foods – Euro

165 Nordfish-Foodmark ul. Szkolna 60, 78-122 Charzyno; tel. 94 358 20 91 handel@polarica.com.pl, www.polarica.com.pl Key products: herring, pickles oil, fish salads, seafood and caviar Products exported: herring, pickles oil, fish salads, seafood and caviar

133 Contimax S.A. Partyzantów 12 C, 32-700 Bochnia tel. 14 611 87 25; contimax@contimax.pl www.contimax.pl Key products: Fillets a la Maties, herring fillets in oil-rural, herring fillets in sauces, smoked mackerel, canned fish Products exported: Smoked mackerel fillets a’la Maties, herring fillets in sauces, canned fish, smoked salmon Export destinations: Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, USA Exports Revenue: 41 000 000 PLN

171 Wilbo S.A. Przemysłowa 8, 81-029 Gdynia; tel. 58 783 70 00; akrolinska@wulbo.pl; www.wilbo.pl Key products: mackerel fillets in tomato sauce, pepper, sprat in tomato sauce, breaded sticks, fingers, breaded salmon Products exported: breaded sticks, salad with tuna, mackerel fielty in tomato sauce, pepper, herring in oil Export destinations: Italy, Romania, UK, Serbia, Czech Republic

180 Excelsior-Delikatesy Sp. z o.o.

155 Przetwórstwo Rybne Łosoś Włynkówko 49B, 76-202 Słupsk

181 ZMK Delikates Sp. z o.o. ul. Dwernickiego 1, 63-400 Ostrów Wielkopolski; tel. 62 737 83 00 Key products: Fish, seafood Products exported: Fish, seafood

114 Tahami Fish ul. Sprzetowa 3, 10-467 Olsztyn tel. 89 532 20 60 fax. 89 532 00 44 biuro@tahami.pl; www.tahami.pl Key products: Fish: perch, trout, cod, perch, pike Notes: Tahami Fish exports fish to Russia, Kazachstan, Germany, Spain, China, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Key products: fish Products exported: fish

ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 25, 76-150 Darłowo; tel. 94 314 30 41; excelsior@post.pl

Nowa 7 Łozienica, 72-100 Goleniów; tel. 91 419 42 00; info@luf-euro.pl; www.luf-euro.pl Key products: ryby, paluszki krabowe Products exported: fish, crab sticks

217 Pommernfisch ul. Słowackiego 1, 78-220 Tychowo; tel. 94 311 50 41; biuro@pommernfisch.pl; www.pommernfisch.pl Key products: smoked fish Products exported: smoked fish

221 Stanpol Sp. z o.o.

3 Maja 44, 76-200 Słupsk; tel. 59 848 29 60; office@stanpol.net; www.stanpol.net Key products: Baltic cod, salmon Products exported: Baltic cod, salmon Export destinations: F, DK, D, B, N

226 Gadus Sp. z o.o. ul. Unruga 111, 81-153 Gdynia tel. 58 663 45 26; www.gadus.pl Key products: fish Products exported: fish

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Trade

PM Tusk leads business delegation to Gulf states Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the top destinations for PM Donald Tusk’s top-level business delegation in late April.

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The summit-level meeting was the first visit by a head of a Polish government since Poland and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations. Poland is seeking to expand and diversify its international contacts, hoping to boost investment in Poland from the capital-rich Gulf States.

The talks in Saudi were attended by Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior; Prince Salman, minister of defense; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, minister of foreign affairs; Prince Muqrin, chief of General Intelligence; and Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, minister of state and Commander of the National Guard.

The Polish delegation included the chief executive of PKN Orlen, Poland’s top refining and petrochemical firm, the president of Poland’s PPL Polish Airports Authority, and a delegation from the Polish Investment Promotion Agency (PAIZ).

Tusk emphasized his desire to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the areas of oil, defense, food industry, medical services, health tourism and financial services.

Addressing businessmen at the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh, which was attended by members of the Saudi-Polish Business Council, he said he had discussed prospects of SABIC’s role in privatizing his country’s petrochemical sector during his meeting with Saudi officials. SABIC is the largest public company in Saudi Arabia, and the world’s biggest petrochemical firm, as well as a diversified manufacturer, active in chemicals and intermediates, industrial polymers, fertilizers and metals.

“We discussed prospects of purchasing Saudi oil,” he added. “We are also seeking Saudi investment for infrastructure projects,” he added.

He called upon businessmen from the two countries to make use of existing strong relations for strengthening trade and investment cooperation. Tusk, who met Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah at his palace, commended the king’s efforts to promote world peace and reinforce security and stability in the Middle East.

“Everybody wants to cooperate with Saudi Arabia as a result of its international reputation and its economic strength,” the Polish leader said.

Tusk urged Saudi businessmen to make use of Poland’s economic boom.

“Over the past years the Polish government has spent about $200 billion to develop the country’s infrastructure,” he added.

Fahd Al-Rabiah, deputy chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers, said that Saudi exports to Poland in 2010 amounted to SR 536 million against Polish exports of SR 1.8 billion to the Kingdom.

“The two countries have to activate bilateral agreements in order to promote trade exchange and joint investments,” AlRabiah said.

Dr. Yasser Al-Harbi, president of the Saudi-Polish Business Council, explained his organization’s efforts to promote business relations between the two countries.

Tusk also met with Riyadh’s Governor Prince Sattam.

SABIC SABIC has expressed interest in buying Polish chemical companies and co-operating with PKN Orlen. “It is very likely that apart from SABIC’s active participation in a potential privatisation of Polish firms, a mutual enterprise on quite a large scale in the petrochemical sector between Orlen and SABIC will be possible,” Tusk said.

USD 200 billion investment from Dubai and Abu Dhabi After Saudi, Tusk and his delegation continued on to Dubai, to strengthen cooperation between UAE and Poland. Tusk spoke at the UAE-Poland Business Forum organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry at its headquarters in late April in the presence of H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman and H.E. Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber, and representatives of a cross-section of private sector companies from Dubai.

Tusk had strong words for the president of PPL Polish Airport Authority, emphasizing the importance of establishing direct flights from Warsaw to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. (According to BizPoland Magazine’s sources in Dubai, direct flights will be established before year-end.)

The UAE Minister of Economy said that the areas of investment interest in Poland include energy, industry and tourism.

Al Mansouri said that the GDP of the UAE in 2010 amounted to $270 billion while the country’s economic growth ranged between 3.5% and 4% in 2010-2011 and is expected to continue at the same rate this year. Poland’s annual GDP is $531 billion.

In his welcome address, H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, urged the visiting Polish business delegation to make Dubai their base to reach out to customers in the region of south Asia and the Gulf States, and to benefit from the emirate’s strategic Eastmeets-West location, unconditional government support and lucrative investment opportunities.

“We see a huge potential for businesses from both countries to work together to enhance their business ties as Poland offers expertise in construction, aviation, oil, gas, energy, banking and finance.

Meanwhile, the driving forces of our economy include trade, financial services, logistics and tourism and we look forward to working with you in these common areas of interest,” he said.

Highlighting the trade exchange between Dubai and Poland, Al Ghurair said that in just 10 months, between January and October of 2011, Dubai’s non-oil trade with Poland reached 1.8 billion pln, and he expects this to grow substantially.

“At the end of 2010, Poland ranked 60th on the list of Dubai’s top trading partners.

Presently, the number of Polish partnership companies registered with Dubai Chamber is relatively low, at 20, therefore

May 2012

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Trade

Dubai Investment forum draws large Polish delegation Poland turned out in force once again for the 2nd Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai, held from 1-3 May, with a large delegation from PAIZ to encourage development, investment and trade with Eastern Poland.

Polish Companies attending AIM Dubai: Waldrex; Parasnake; Royal-Star; Wytwornia-Sprezetu Komunikacyjnego Tomaszow Lubelski; Inkubator Technologiczny; Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec; Zelnar; Sedna Yachts; Pegazus; Nautiner; Dairy Cooperative in Łapy; Pszczolka; Mat; Teczowy Mlyn Hotel; Golf Park Lipowy Most; Zbyszko; Leopard Automobile (Mielec); Talizman; Glass Studio Habrat; Fabryka Porcelany Ćmielow Local Authorities from Eastern Poland:

With just over 1,000 people attending the 3 day conference/exhibition, Poland was the second largest foreign country in attendance, after Pakistan.

During the opening ceremony, UAE’s minister for foreign trade Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi said that in terms of foreign direct investment, the UAE had attracted $60 billion in the last five years, while its investments to foreign nations had exceeded $327 billion.

She also said that according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, UAE firms were found to be among the most active foreign investors in the world. She said that the UAE had high economic expectations that would be translated into growth strategies soon.

Poland had a large and vibrant pavilion with over 30 companies attending the event within the PAIZ delegation, including additional representation from Gornoslaski Park Przemyslowy, as well as speakers Mr. Ludwik Sobolewski, President of the Warsaw Stock Exchange and a presentation by IVG about Poland’s dynamic commercial real estate market.

Both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Chambers of Commerce met with the Polish delegation. The local authorities and mayors also met with Dubai city officials to learn about their operating procedures related to managing the city.

The UAE generates nearly 300 billion euro in annual export revenue from oil and gas. The country’s tax rate on personal income is zero, on corporate income zero, and on social security also zero. Fees (also known as VAT) of 10% are levied on the sale of all goods and services. According to one city official from Dubai, the country believes strongly in the Laffer Curve concept, that lower taxes encourage higher tax revenues by boosting compliance and boosting business activity.

In addition to strong interest in the food processing sector, investors expressed interest in the commercial real estate sector and portfolio investment. Leopard Automotive, a firm from Mielec that

makes classic retro cars, hopes to recruit a car dealer in Dubai to represent the firm.

Four city mayors attended, as did the deputy Minister of Economy Andrzej Dycha, who spoke at the Poland Country presentation.

In addition to the formal ceremonies, Poland hosted a networking cocktail recep■ tion, which was very well-attended.

we see great potential and scope for more investors to set up businesses in the emirate,” he added.

“Expanding into East European markets is a strategic priority for Dubai Chamber as it comes in line with the recommendations of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime

Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to explore Eastern Europe, therefore we have this forum to discuss strengthening of economic relations with our Polish partners.

Drawing similarities between Dubai and Poland, the Chairman of Dubai Chamber said while Dubai is an East meets West destination and gateway to the regional

market, Southeast Asia and Africa, Poland is a strategic link to Russia and Europe and a corridor for East European countries.

He called upon Polish investors to come to Dubai and join the multitude of businesses from all over the world working and living here and to benefit from Dubai’s ■ promising business environment.

2012 May

Podkarpackie Voivodeship Anna Kowalska, Vice-Marshal Tadeusz Ferenc, President of the City of Rzeszów

Świętokrzystkie Voivodeship Adam Jarubas, Marshal Wojciech Lubawski, President of the City of Kielce

Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship Anna Wasilewska, Member of the Board of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship Piotr Grzymowicz, President of the City of Olsztyn

Lubelskie Voivodeship Krzysztof Grabczuk, Vice-Marshal Stanisław Kalinowski, Deputy President of the City of Lublin

Podlaskie Voivodeship Cezary Cieślikowski, Member of the Board of the Podlaskie Voivodship Tadeusz Truskolaski, President of the City of Białystok

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Trade

China and Poland deepen strategic partnership Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged at landmark talks in Warsaw on 25 April to double bilateral trade turnover with Poland in the next five years.

The Chinese Premier, during a historic two-day visit, the first in 25 years by a Chinese premier, held talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and reached important consensus on deepening the strategic partnership. Poland is the last leg of Wen’s four-nation Europe tour. He has visited Iceland and Sweden and attended the opening ceremony of the Hannover Fair in Germany.

China is ready to strengthen high-level contacts and enhance cooperation in various fields with Poland to push forward the China-Poland strategic partnership, Wen said. Noting that the international political, economic and security situations are undergoing profound changes, he said

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China highly values Poland’s development potential and its influence on European and international affairs.

China agreed to establish a regular meeting mechanism between the two countries’ prime ministers so as to enhance political mutual trust and strategic communications. Wen also suggested that the two countries set up a steering committee for industrial cooperation and boost collaboration in investment, infrastructure, new energy and high technology.

The Chinese premier also urged the two sides to promote exchanges on culture, education and tourism and on sub-national levels so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

Wen said bilateral efforts were focused on doubling trade turnover within five

years. In 2011, this was valued at 14.55 billion euros, up from 12.7 billion euros in 2010.

“Poland has maintained stability and development and has secured the 20th spot in ranking of global economies,” Wen said, standing side-by-side with Tusk.

Wen also said that plans are underway for a billion-euro Chinese investment fund for Central Europe.

Warsaw analysts insist the Chinese are eager to capitalise on the region’s stability, growth and competitive prices to gain “perfect access to the West European market” -- still Beijing’s top export destination.

Poland’s Industrial Development Agency signed a letter of intent with the Bank of China, due to open a branch in Poland focused on Chinese investment.

Both China and Poland have large shale gas deposits, and agreed to “exchange experience” in its exploration and extraction.

“Go China” The Chinese prime minister also met with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, who visited China in late 2011.

“I want to tell the Chinese business communities and entrepreneurs that the investment environment in Poland is the best,” said Slawomir Majman, president of the Polish Information and Foreign

Investment Agency. Majman emphasized that the government and Polish companies attach great importance to China and want to take a major step forward in ChinaPoland cooperation.

Regarding China as the most important and biggest export market, the Polish government has in recent years been actively promoting itself to China, Majman said.

In March, Poland launched a special “GO CHINA” project in a bid to expand and deepen economic and trade exchanges with China, to attract more Chinese investment, and expand cooperation between enterprises of both countries, Majman said.

“It’s like a symphony, which was joined by eight Polish departments together, such as the Ministry of the Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, the Information and Foreign Investment Agency and the Polish Association of Enterprises,” Majman said.

“It has never happened before to my knowledge,” he said. “Never was there a ‘Go USA’ or a ‘Go Australia’ project in the past.

This is specially-tailored for China.”

Waldemar Pawlak, the deputy prime minister and economy minister, and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski will also visit China this year to continue expansion of economic and trade coopera■ tion.

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Real Estate

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Wind Energy

Green light for green energy in 2013 Polish wind developers are breathing a bit easier after the recent PSEW Wind Forum, which provided more details about the draft Renewable Energy Act. With about 50% of revenues dictated by government subsidies for “green energy”, the first draft of the act threatened to halt private-sector development of Poland’s wind resources.

Subsequent revisions, while not yet finalized, suggest that the value of green certificates for wind energy will be higher and with long-term periods, allowing wind developers to better plan their revenue streams, as the

subsidies will apply for a period of 15 years from date of construction of the wind farm.

The net effect of the new RE Act will be that wind power revenues will be about 8-15% lower, rather than the 25% reduction proposed

just five months ago, according to Grzegorz Linowski, who specializes in financing wind farms at BZ-WBK Bank.

While optimists believe that a new act could be passed by September, late 2012 is a more realistic time frame for its approval, given the need for further consultations at the Ministry level, as well as final approval by the Sejm.

The uncertainty created by the lack of a clear Renewable Energy law has clearly slowed construction of new wind farms in 2011.

The new law, which should be in effect from first quarter 2013, will provide guaranteed purchase prices for power generated from wind turbines, according to the Economy Ministry.

The December draft of the renewable support plan sought to retract guaranteed purchase prices for renewables, which would have destroyed the economics of

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www.bizpoland.pl many projects. The first draft immediately raised concerns among investors, who are mostly reliant on bank financing to build capital-intensive wind farms.

Guaranteed purchase prices Janusz Pilitowski, head of a recently established department for renewables at Poland’s Economy Ministry, said discussions over the last few months with industry representatives and others have shown the market was not ready for the government to move away from a guaranteed purchase price. The updated draft will restore the “power-purchase obligation” by a designated vendor to buy energy from a renewable source at a price set under a formula still under discussion, Pilitowski said.

The bill was originally expected to be enacted in July 2012 but the ministry, flooded with opinions on the draft bill, needed more time to work them through and it now looks that January 2013 is the earliest possible date, Pilitowski added.

“It seems that it will be May, when we are ready to publish a revision with the changes,” Pilitowski said.

“The bill could then be approved by the government by the end of the first half of

Wind Energy Offshore Wind Investments hampered by Ministry of Environment So far, 59 applications have been filed with the Ministry of Infrastructure for Offshore Investments to construct platforms according to the Sea Area Act. According to the law, the applications have to be consulted with other Ministries, e.g. the Ministry for Environment. To date, the Ministry of Environment has issued a positive opinion only in four cases, while the remaining ones have received either negative opinions or no opinion yet. According to the research maps issued by the State owned Polish Geological Institute, PGI, in the areas in question – mainly around the Slupsk Bank and the Middle Bank - there may be resources of oil or shale gas, so the construction of platforms may handicap the future exploitation. However, many oil and gas fields have not yet been mapped and undertaking reliable seismic research for them after the presence of offshore wind farms would generally make that difficult. On the other hand, there is still enough time to undertake

2012 and this means it will not be enacted before January 1, 2013.”

Wind farm investors greeted the new proposals with cautious optimism, saying they still had questions over the timing of the proposed regulations.

“The initial feeling is positive as it seems that the main points we put forward were understood,” said Mikel Garay, managing director at Taiga Mistral, a private equity firm investing in wind energy in Poland.

“But I am concerned about timing. I still can’t go on with my investments.”

Conspiracy-theorists opine that the delay has been intentional, to allow Poland’s large utilities to catch-up with

proper research until the first offshore wind farms may be built. While in certain ways wind parks and oil and gas production operations may conflict with each other, there is much potential synergy in the various interested parties working together. The creation of an offshore electricity network will offer opportunities to the oil and gas industry, for instance by the generation of electricity with gas from fields, the pressure of which is now so low that it is no longer profitable to compress and transport it to land. The electricity generated would then simply be delivered to the North Sea electricity grid. If there is no wind, then residual gas could come to the rescue. Finally, the possibility of extracting and transporting gas from low pressure fields with the help of electrical compressors is also on the agenda. The necessary electricity would be supplied by wind farms. Thanks to offshore wind energy, offshore gas installations could produce gas in an environmentally friendly manner. (Source: Dr Christian Schnell, Debenedetti. Majewski, Szczesniak ■ Kancelaria Prawnicza Sp. K)

faster-moving private wind farm developers. Indeed, regional power generators and distributors, like ENEA, Energa and Tauron, as well as PGE, are now the most active buyers of wind farms and wind farm projects, and are increasingly teaming up with private wind developers. These cashrich utilities are able to fund the development projects with 100% cash.

With the renewable energy act due to be implemented in 2013, wind energy developers and investors are expecting a significant increase in wind development in the coming 18 months, driven both by domestic utilities, and foreign strategic ■ investors.

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FDI News Krakow Economic Zone lands 2 new deals Two production firms have agreed to set up operations in the Kraków Technology Park, under the auspices of the Kraków Special Economic Zone. The Park now has 103 investors. Protech Ltd., a producer of steel CH boilers for solid fuel that is marketed under the company’s brand Protech Gierałtowice as well as produced for wholesalers, announced that it will invest more than 8 million pln. Another firm is expanding its existing operations in the Krakow Zone. Woodward Poland Ltd. announced that it will invest another 18 million pln for its design, production, and services for engine-energy optimization, industrial turbines, electric and energy equipment.

Swedish investment in new Szczeciń Zone Garo will be the first investor in the new EURO-PARK Mielec Special Economic Zone in Szczecin. The firm is a leader on the Scandinavian market in the distribution of electrical installation equipment, and has been operating in Poland since 2010. Garo plans to build a production and warehouse hall of 2900 sm, for a total cost of 6.4 million pln, and plans to hire 120 people.

Tech incubator in Białogard lands cable company The Białogard Technology Incubator has signed a lease agreement with Kabel Technik Polska Ltd from Czaplinek for 1000 sm, where the firm plans to hire 150 people (of which 80% will be women) to supplement its existing operations in Czaplinek, where it employs 1200. The company specializes in the design and production of cable harnesses, steering harnesses and cabinets, and is a worldwide supplier for the public transport industry (buses and trucks),automotive industry, telecommunications, rail transport (trains and trams), machinery manufacturers and wind energy. Białogard Technology Incubator is a part of the Białogard Investment Park INVEST-PARK which, in its territory, also contains a special economic zone.

PAIZ starts cooperation with Iława

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In April, the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIZ) signed a cooperation agreement with the city of Iława. The major aim of the agreement is to promote Iława and help the city attract more investment projects from abroad.

PAIZ will provide help in the process of

investment offer preparation, in gathering and providing data concerning economic conditions of the region, in creation of data bases concerning the city’s economic environment and in data management.

Scientific and Technology Park of Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation and Poznań International Fairgrounds. PDP targets entrepreneurs in different industries, as well as scientists and innovators open to practical cooperation with companies. This second edition of PED was attended by more than 4000 participants. The project combined four events: Fair of Entrepreneurship, Poznań Days of Academic Entrepreneurship, Economic Forum of the Poznań Agglomeration and Final Gala of IX edition of the Poznań Leader of Entrepreneurship contest.

“Attractive city - PPP” PAIZ has similar agreements with Kielce, Lublin, Rzeszów, Białystok, Olsztyn. Bydgoszcz, Koszalin, Krosno, Częstochowa, Zamość, Szczecinek, Piła, Radomsko, Piotrków Trybunalski, Łapy, Radom and Łomża.

Delegation of Jiangsu province visits Krakow

Poland hosted a delegation of CCPIT and business representatives from the large Chinese province of Jiangsu. The delegation visited Kraków to meet the Marshal of Małopolskie Voivodeship, Marek Sowa and to sign an agreement with Małopolska Regional Development Agency. Jiangsu province - a major trade and investment partner of Poland - is located in the middle of the east coast of China. Jiangsu province is second only to Guangdong province in terms of highest GDP and highest foreign trade. The province’s population is 80 million people, and is one of the most densely populated areas of China. It is not only the biggest recipient of FDI in China but also an increasingly important foreign investor, and is home to some of China’s largest companies in the electronics, chemicals and textiles sectors.

Poznań Entrepreneurship Days On 17-18 April, the second edition of Poznań Entrepreneurship Days was held, under the banner of “Plug in - supply your business with new energy!”. Poznań Entrepreneurship Days (PED) is a joint initiative of the City of Poznań, District of Poznań, Wielkopolska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Poznań

This event, to be held 22 May in Warsaw, will focus on developing Polish cities through public-private partnership (PPP) investments and making their urban areas more attractive to resident, visitors and investors. The conference will bring together Polish municipalities, which account for almost 100% of the PPP projects’ pipeline, and the private sector investors interested in PPP. The event’s goal is to promote PPPs, to outline economic reasons for PPP implementation and to create a networking platform. The event will consist of the following panels: „PPP manual” (governmental support, legal and organizational aspects of PPP, creating a PPP offer attractive for the private sector), „Financing PPPs” (managing self-governments’ budgets, the JESSICA initiative, PPP projects meeting requirements of financial institutions) and „Attractive city” (investment offer of Polish municipalities in the field of: car parks, interchange stations, revitalization of urban landscapes, sport & leisure infrastructure, business parks, broadband access).

Details at vwww.ippp.pl - the event will take place at the Ministry of Regional Development in Warsaw.

Wroclaw launches Polish Champion to distinguish global ambitions The official website of the programme Polish Champion has been launched. This ationwide project focuses on Polish business leaders present on foreign markets.

The idea behind the Polish Champion Program is to promote Wroclaw’s economy and local companies that have already achieved international success.

In the pilot programme there are 11 Wrocław-based companies enrolled.

Businesses participating in the Polish Champion programme have to be at least of a multi-local character in Europe and have a global strategy. The Programme is carried out on behalf of Wrocław by the

May 2012

www.bizpoland.pl Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency (ARAW) in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and PAIZ. More information at www.polskiczempion.pl.

30 million pln Biotech research investment

FDI News United Oilfield Services Sp. z oo is a dynamically developing Polish service company (founded in 2011), offering a full range of work related to the exploration and extraction of natural gas and crude oil, particularly focused on three business lines: hydraulic fracking, drilling and geophysical surveys (seismic). The founders and executives have years of industry experience gained in the United States.

Manufacturing sector contracts in April, as export demand weakens Mabion SA is has been approved to operate in the Łódź Special Economic Zone.

The firm plans to set up an industrial biotechnology research and medical care operation, with plans to produce two biotech drugs against cancer. The investment cost is 30 million pln in the first stage. The new complex is the second of Mabion in the Lodz zone, after setting up research operations in 2010 in Textorial Park.

Shale gas services firm sets up in Lodz United Oilfield Services Sp. z o. o. has received permission to conduct business in the Łódź Special Economic Zone, and will build new facilities on a 12 ha site.

The facilities will be warehousing and adminstrative base for the firms’ specialist equipment related to the oil and gas industry, including seismic equipment, drilling equipment used for geophysical surveys, and equipment for hydraulic fracking. The company intends to invest at least 35 million pln and hire at least 120 employees.

Poland’s manufacturing sector contracted in April after stagnating in March on account of a drop in the number of new businesses and weak foreign demand, HSBC said. The survey of 300 industrial companies, prepared by Markit Economics for HSBC, showed the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index dropped to 49.2 in April from 50.1 in March. Analysts expected the index to drop to 49.4 points.

A PMI figure below 50 indicates contraction, while one above that level signals expansion. “The economy is slowing as marked most recently by very poor industrial production growth in March,” HSBC economist Agata Urbanska said. “The negative drag comes from the external environment with the new export orders underperforming.”

Poland’s industrial output growth decelerated sharply in March, with output rising by an annual rate of 0.7% compared with 4.6% in February.

The manufacturing sector also contracted in the final two months of last year.

Sikorsky plant to produce “very light jet” Aerospace firm PZL Sikorsky has confirmed plans to produce up to 100 “very light jets” per year, with the first to roll off the production line in 2013, according to recent comments from Mason Holland, the CEO of Eclipse Aerospace.

Holland said that Eclipse’s relationship with Sikorsky is key, and that “Sikorsky continues to take an active role in the process, particularly in supply chain management and manufacturing. In fact, the airframe will be built at Sikorsky’s PZL plant in Poland. Final assembly will be in Albuquerque.”

Holland said the first new production aircraft, designated the Eclipse 550, will roll out in 2013. He said the company intends to build 50 to 100 aircraft a year and that the backlog extends to 2014. A group headed by Holland took over the assets of the former Eclipse Aircraft for pennies on the dollar in 2009 and initially focused on supporting and finishing the fleet of 267 aircraft that were sold by the original company. In 2010, Sikorsky bought a 42 percent stake in Eclipse Aerospace.

Sikorsky CEO Jeff Pino is also a share■ holder in Eclipse.

An annual investment guide to Warsaw Stock Exchange-listed companies for foreign investors. » In English language. » Profiles of the Top 250 WSE-listed firms. » The publication targets foreign institutional investors, as well as large private investors. » Distribution at CEE IPO Summit, 3031 May, Warsaw.

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Chamber of Commerce News India IPCCI delegation to India

World Trade Centre Mumbai and All India Association of Industry (AIAI) organized INDIALLIA in late April, the first B2B conference in Mumbai involving 35 countries from around the world and 500 participants from different sectors and industry of commerce. INDIALLIA is the event based on the concept and license of FUTURALLIA which was held in Wroclaw a few years back. IPCCI was the country leader of Poland and took a delegation of 15 companies in cooperation with Wroclaw Technology Park which participated with the majority of the delegation. The meetings organized averaged 8 per day for each participant and delegates met companies not only from India but other countries as well. WTC Mumbai and AIAI plan to organize this event every 24 months after its debut success this year.

IPCCI and KIG(Polish Chamber of Commerce ) is gearing up together to take a delegation to India in October and December this year. The kick-off seminar for the same event will be held at KIG’s headquarters on 28 May. Details at j.mazurkiewicz@ipcci.pl.

up a unique opportunity for designing a complex development plan for the waterfront areas situated on the Warta River.

The Dutch Government is supporting the project as part of its ‘Working with water worldwide’ programme. The total investment comes to 400,000 euro.

In recent years, the Warta has caused floods in Poznan on several occasions, with major material and financial damage as a result. The ‘Development Strategy River Warta Poznań’ project hinges on drawing up a strategy that allows water safety measures to be incorporated in Poznań’s broadly based social development, while at the same time enabling spatial developments to be adapted to essential water management measures. The currently neglected river floodplains will be restored and made attractive, in tandem with water safety improvements. Thus the historically mutually beneficial relationship of the city and the water will receive a future-orientated refreshment.

The Dutch ‘Working with water worldwide’ subsidy programme seeks to combine the strengths of experts to improve the international position of the Dutch water sector, thus contributing to solutions to the global water issue. For this purpose, the programme is supporting ambitious parties in the Dutch water sector by providing subsidies to carry out innovative projects in other countries. The Partners for Water project is being implemented by NL EVD International (part of NL Agency) and the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP).

Raben Transport orders 80 DAF Trucks

tractors and trucks, said Paweł Trębicki, Managing Director of Raben Transport.

Athlon Car Lease signs leasing deal with Bacardi Martini Athlon Car Lease and Bacardi Martini Polska recently signed a three-year contract for the lease of 58 cars. Among them are models Mini Clubman, Mini Countryman and BMW X3. “I am pleased with the cooperation with Athlon”, said Mariola Dąbrowska, Finance and Administration Director of Bacardi Martini Polska. “We are very satisfied that Bacardi Martini Polska chose Athlon as its leasing partner”, added Eric van Vliet, managing director of Athlon Car Lease Poland.

Spain

On May 27th, the Polish - Spanish Chamber will host its first family Picnic, with focus on services of PHIG chamber members.

The company Heliseco Sp z o.o. will introduce an offer of “air taxis”, and will arrive via their own helicopters. To amuse the children, there will be a possibility to visit the helicopters from the inside. The lottery winners will also participate in the helicopter flight over the airport. Spanish cuisine and an enormous Spanish paella round out the day.

Canada

Holland Shale gas roundtable discussion

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Poznan Municipality and investor SwedeCenter have founded a partnership called “Na Rzecz Warty” with the Dutch consultancy firm KuiperCompagnons (Urban Planning & Design) and DHV (Engineering). This co-operation opens

Raben Transport, transport and logistics specialists, have placed an order for a total of 80 DAF tractor units with ESA Trucks Poznań Sp. z o.o., an authorised DAF Trucks Polska dealership. The first batch of 30 DAF FT XF 105.460 LowDeck tractor units were delivered to Raben Transport in January. Raben Transport specialises in full-vehicle transport, both in Poland and on international routes. The operator’s own fleet numbers 260 low-emission

Minister Piotr Woźniak, Undersecretary of the MInistry of Environment and Chief National Geologist, met with PCCC members for a roundtable discussion on 20 April. The dialogue focused on the development of the shale gas sector in Poland where key players from Canada such as

May 2012

www.bizpoland.pl Talisman, LNG Energy, Ensign Energy and others had the opportunity to express concerns. Topics covered included the upcoming draft legislation to regulate exploration and development. The meeting was held at the offices of MillerCanfield.

Trinity expands services for German speaking clients Trinity has formed a new team to offer a comprehensive range of accounting services to clients from German-speaking countries in their native language. The team, lead by Sylwia Toczyska, can assist Austrian and German companies entering or already present in Poland. “I think German investment is very important for Poland as Germany is still the economic powerhouse of the EU. Having close German ties is of major importance in our business” explained Tom Ravensdale, CEO.

Memuta creates alliance to launch proactive business consulting Building upon Memuta’s success consulting on business improvement, continuity planning and process management, Ferry Saur, CEO, has partnered up with Beata Witkowska, (Managing Partner of Witkowska Law Firm) and Tomasz Wikliński (CEO of THOMAS Sp. z o.o.).

The service will be introduced in an interactive workshop entitled “Business plan: Doo-able or Boo-able” and shows participants how to stay on course with a winning strategy through hard business realities and market fluctuations. A workshop will take place 21 June and further details may obtained from memuta@thomas.pl.

Chamber of Commerce News and includes a redesigned jobs section, virtual matchmaking to easier connect businesses, and social networking options.

The site also includes an investment offers section, and connects Polish businesses with French businesses, in both Polish and French language.

Ireland Spring Business Mixer The Polish-Canadian Chamber of Commerce will co-host its upcoming Spring Business Mixer with the Irish Chamber of Commerce, to be held on 17 May. Contact e.gricuk@pccc.pl for further details.

Amcham US-Poland Business Summit The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) has confirmed a 20 June date for its US-Poland Business Summit, to be held in Warsaw. According to the official statement released by the White House, senior level government officials from

the United States and Poland will participate in the roundtable including U.S. Secretary of Commerce, John Bryson, and Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Waldemar Pawlak. Participation of Polish and U.S. business executives will be drawn from AmCham; the U.S.-Poland Business Council and PKPP Lewiatan. Prior to the business summit, the U.S. and Polish private sectors are canvassing their respective business communities to identify and prioritize business opportunities, including the following: energy cooperation: nuclear, shale, renewable; innovation: knowledge sharing, tech transfer, e-business; bi-lateral relations: trade, SME development, promotion; sectors: BPO, aviation, defense, and biotechnology.

AmCham and France CCIFP held joint business mixer at Sofitel below: Marek Kujawa, Marek Kujawa i Partnerzy Adwokaci; Dorota Dabrowski; Artur Gabor; at bottom: Joseph Wancer; Joanna Bensz, ■ PM Group; Bartek Morzycki, 3M

Hong Kong CEC Visit to Poland A delegation of The Chinese Executive Club (CEC) from Hong Kong will visit Poland and Slovakia middle of May 2012.

The aim of the visit is to put members in contact with their counterparts with the latest management practices, business models, and advanced technologies so as to update their outlook and to draw references for business opportunities in East Europe. CEC was established in the year 1976, and is one of the 8 specialist clubs operating under the auspices of The Hong Kong Management Association.

France CCIFP’s new website The French Chamber of Commerce (CCIFP) has launched its new website, at www. ccifp.pl. The new website is more intuitive

2012 May

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Business Calendar May 7-9 May Organic Marketing Forum Warsaw (MT Expo) 7TH International Meeting on Processing and Marketing of Organic Products and Raw Materials. In cooperation with BioFach Organic. www.organic-marketing-forum.org

8 May Food Exports Poland VIP Business Mixer, Warsaw By invitation only, for Polish food producers and international food buyers.

Details: madamczyk@biznespolska.pl In cooperation with Organic Marketing Forum, ARM S.A., KIG, and TV Rolnictwa.

8-10 May GREENPOWER 2012 Poznan (Poznan Fairgrounds) International Renewable Energy Fair. The show, organised in cooperation with the Polish Economic Chamber of Renewable Energy, is held under the honorary auspices of the Ministry of Economy.

Details: http://greenpower.mtp.pl/en/

Mid-May (TBD) Chinese Executive Club Delegation from CEC in Hong Kong to visit Poland and Slovakia middle of May

14-16 May European Economic Congress Katowice The leading theme of this year’s fourth edition of the Congress will be “Europe 2020”, EU energy policy, innovation, The European Union and Central European countries as well as the cooperation between Europe and China. Three days of the Congress. Previous edition of ECC was attended by 6,000 guests, with nearly 1,000 speakers.

17 May Poland-Canada Chamber Business Mixer PCCC co-hosts upcoming Spring Business Mixer with the Irish Chamber of Commerce.

Contact e.gricuk@pccc.pl for details.

17-18 May

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Małopolska Export Horizon Kraków The aim of the conference is to present the potential for Polish enterprises in eastern markets, thereby boosting the Malopolska region through intensification of pro-export activities and promotion of Małopolska exports, primarily focused on markets of the former Soviet Union as well as China, India and Iraq. Programme available at www.businessinmalopolska.pl.

19 May BMW Cup of Nations Warsaw Polo Club http://warsawpoloclub.pl/

22 May “Attractive city - PPP” Warsaw. Focusing on developing Polish cities through public-private partnership (PPP) investments and making their urban areas more attractive to residents, visitors and investors.

The conference will bring together Polish municipalities, which account for almost 100% of the PPP projects’ pipeline, and private sector investors interested in PPP. Details at www.ippp.pl ; takes place at Ministry of Regional Development in Warsaw.

22-23 May PSEW Polish Wind Energy Association Warsaw Poland’s largest annual conference and expo dedicated to the development of the wind energy sector. www.pwea2012.pl

23-25 May Outsourcing conference: “How big can we grow?”

Kraków ASPIRE and Shared Services SSON team up to present world famous experts from the Shared Services and Business Process Outsourcing sectors. Nearly 500 guests from across the world are expected, including Wally Olins and Fons Trompenaars.

Details and conference’s programme are available here: www.actinglocal.org.pl or www. aspire.org.pl

and the XXX Olympiad, the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 20th Anniversary, with a week full of events:

29 May Special Food Mixer FOOD OF ISLES British Embassy Conference Centre, Warsaw

30 May BUSINESS BREAKFAST: 20 YEARS of British-Polish Business Hyatt Regency Warsaw

30-31 May CEE IPO Summit Annual stock exchange summit profiling opportunities for foreign institutional investors on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

31 May Great British Vintage Rally Challenge & British Motor Show Palace in Jabłonna PGA Polska Cup, Warsaw Second annual Golf Cup Tournament.

Organized by Europaproperty.com v Tarde de Sabores (Night of Flavours) Polish - Spanish Chamber of Commerce invites you to a meeting in the Polish - Spanish group with a culinary theme Tarde de Sabores. Last Thursday of every month at 19.00. Entrance fee: 30 PLN. For TARDE DE SABORES cardholders the entrance is free. All details at www.phig.pl

June

24 May

2 June

Tasty Classics Richard Berkeley has re-introduced his classical music nights, accompanied by four-course dinner and fine wines. Venue: Galeria Freta, Warsaw. Details at www.fnok.pl

H.M. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Ball 2012 Organised by The British School Friends in association with The British School, Warsaw Hilton Hotel Warsaw

May 27

8 June

Polish-Spanish Chamber Family Picnic PHIG’s first family Picnic, to be held at Warsaw’s Bemowo Airport. Features include “air-taxi” rides by Heliseco Sp z o.o., and Spanish delicacies. Details at www.phig.pl

Euro 2012 Opening Match. PolandGreece at Warsaw’s National Stadium

20 June

28 May

US-Poland Business Summit Details via American Chamber of Commerce. www.amcham.pl

Trade & Investment Conference.

British Embassy Conference Centre, Warsaw

21 June

28 May – 2 June

Lublin Outsourcing Conference. www.lublin.eu

British Week 2012 - 20th Anniversary Year of the BPCC Set against the backdrop of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012,

26-27 June World BPO Summit New York

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May 2012

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Events

Dubai Investment forum draws large Polish delegation

Events

www.bizpoland.pl

Lublin courts BPO Outsourcing clients with conference and new offices About 150 people attended the April conference in Lublin, hosted by the city’s mayor Krzysztof Zuk. The two-day conference on “Modern business services how to build an advantage in a competitive environment” was organized by the city council, and focused on the role of BPO/ Outsourcing in driving the development of Lublin.

The first day of the conference ended with a panel discussion led by Zuk, acknowledging that so far the biggest barrier to investment in the city has been the lack of infrastructure - but that now the situation is changing, and the city is also willing to provide financial incentives for investors. Approximately 30,000 sm of new office space is being built in the city, including 14,000 sm by local developer Wikana S.A. Other key infrastructure developments include the new international ■ airport.

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Events

Wiadomości Handlowe – Retailer Awards

The fourth edition of the “Market of the Year 2012”, organized by the magazine “ Wiadomości Handlowe”, distinguished the best retail shops in Poland. The gala ceremony, at Warsaw’s Sheraton Hotel, honored winners in five categories.

Winner in the category: Small grocery stores (up to 100 sm): Odido Agnes in Halinowa Winner in the category: Medium-sized grocery stores (101-250 sm): Delikatesy Centrum in Korzenna Winner in the category: Largesized grocery stores (250 - 800 sm): Euro Sklep in Biała Podlaski Winner in the category: Supermarkets (801 -2500 sm): Alma Market in Warsaw Winner in the category: Hypermarkets (2500 sm + ): Real in ■ Włocławek

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Events

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Warsaw Fashion Weekend The spring edition of the Warsaw Fashion Weekend took place in mid-April, at Warsaw’s SOHO Factory, drawing in a thousand visitors, excellent designers, stylists and celebrities – including Anna Popek, Ewa Szabatin, Miss PoloniaMarcelina Zawadzka, and a bevy of young actors. Spanish designers featured included Arturo Martínez, Daniel Lierah and Juan Pedro Lopez. Polish Designers Asia Wysoczyńska and Aleksandra Markowska presented their collections, as did handbag designer Barada Sevilla at the Deni Cler fashion show. In addition to the fashion show, the event also featured the largest designer sample sale in Poland, with access to the fashion products and accessories of over 150 exhibitors, including bespoke ■ handbags by Katarzyna Biskup.

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