Interview with H.E. Polish Ambassador to Finland Mr Jarosław Suchoples

Finncham interviewed H.E. Polish Ambassador to Finland Mr Jarosław Suchoples.

The economic performance of Poland should remain robust this year thanks to strong consumer spending, healthy labor market dynamics and greater absorption of EU funds. How do you see the future economic outlook of Poland in the coming years?

Polish GDP is expected to grow by 4% in 2017. In 2018 and 2019 the Polish economy will continue to show stable growth although at slightly slower rate than this year. In 2018 the GDP will slow to the level of 3.5 % and to 3.3 % in 2019. The main drivers of GDP growth in coming years will be individual consumption supported by good market conditions and the absorption of the EU funds by 2014-2020 perspective.

Poland is a destination country for outsourcing industry, and it has strengthened its position as the leading European location for the sector of modern business services. What companies should consider when outsourcing their activities to Polish companies?

Poland has great potential in the business services sector. Our country main advantages consist of favorable investment climate, well educated and highly qualified human resources as well as the development of the modern office space market. It is worth to add that Poland offers diversity of locations, which means that each company seeking for business services in Poland has at least few places in different locations to choose from.

Many companies, including Finnish ones, have invested in Poland. Which kinds of incentives the companies can get when investing, and what are the factors that attract companies to move their activities to Poland?

Poland has developed a very attractive system consisting of different types of incentives. The companies may benefit from both tax exemptions and cash grants for new investments and job creation. Special Economic zones in Poland offer exemption from income tax, which is supplemented with exemption from property tax offered by local authorities. There are also a cash grants available under the “Program for the support of investments of considerable importance for the Polish economy for the years 2011-2020”. The factors attracting new investors, except for above mentioned support, are among the others: outstanding quality of human capital, size of the market and strategic location in Central Europe. The network of public institutions providing professional assistance and reliable support during the investment process is also a significant factor taken into consideration by potential investors.

Poland has worked over the past decade to become an entrepreneurial powerhouse. How is your government addressing this plan and are you happy with the achievements?

Economic development and development of business activities in Poland are very important for the Polish government. One of the priorities of Polish economic policy is to provide optimal opportunities for operation, development and competitiveness of enterprises especially, small and medium. The measures have been continuously undertaken especially in a form of legal changes which aim to improve the legal environment for entrepreneurs and business activities. The changes, among others include: reduction of certain administrative duties, support for development of entrepreneurship, improvement of the investment process, strengthening of innovation system.

Rail Baltica, Via Baltica and Silk Road – combine countries. Which kinds of benefits they offer to Polish/Finnish companies?

The level of development of modern transport networks is one of the key determinants of the region’s competitiveness and its attractiveness for investments. Well-developed transport infrastructure influences the attractiveness of a given area and facilitates business activity. Transport is also an important element of European integration. The completion of above mention projects will surely improve the connection of Polish and Finnish companies with the regions which above mentioned trails cross.  

Please, tell your suggestions for places to visit as a tourist in Poland?

Poland becomes increasingly attractive as a tourist destination. Its natural environment, modern infrastructure, culture and national heritage make the country popular with international tourists. The most visited tourist destinations in Poland include the Tatra, Karkonosze, Stołowe and Pieniny Mountains; Białowieża Forest; Masurian Lake District and the Wolin National Park. We should also not forget about the long Polish sea coast The most popular cities are Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot, Kołobrzeg, Warsaw, Poznań, Lublin, Sandomierz and Toruń. Be invited to visit these and other places.

H.E. Polish Ambassador to Finland Mr Jarosław Suchoples