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Poland Offers Business Opportunities for India

Sep 13, 2017

A high-level business delegation from Poland representing dairy, agro & agro processing, food technology industry participated in an interactive meeting at the World Trade Centre Mumbai on September 13, 2017. The event was organized by All India Association of Industries and World Trade Centre Mumbai in association with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi. Mr. Brenda Leszek, Consul General of Poland in Mumbai who accompanied the delegation said, “Poland is a growing economy and is expected to be the next powerhouse in view of its trade surplus, booming exports, financial discipline and institutional reforms which have provided the impetus to our economy. The country offers great opportunity for Indian business community”.

Elaborating on Poland’s trade and economic achievements, Mr. Leszek said that his country was the next to join the club of advanced countries, functioning as an under-the-radar economic star. Since its transition from communism to democracy in 1991, its economy has been growing at an average annual rate of 4 percent. Poland’s average income has risen to nearly $13,000, from $2,300, and is now geared up to pass the $15,000 mark by the turn of this decade. Poland is working itself up to be a manufacturing power and is pitched to be a part of the select group of countries which include South Korea, the Czech Republic and now Poland. Poland is more than competitive with the Asian manufacturing powers. Exports from manufacturing account for 33 percent of GDP in Poland, well above the average for emerging nations of 22 percent.

Ms. Katarzyna Kwiecień, Deputy Director, Export Support Bureau, Agriculture Market Agency who along with Mr. Brenda led the delegation, providing an overview of the sectors that were being represented at the meeting. Ms. Kwiecień said, “Polish food sector is known world over. Exports go to 70 countries and is still growing. Our products are popular, price competitive and of a high quality. Besides apples, our exports are mainly in poultry, meat and meat products, flour and dairy products. We are participating for the second time at the ‘Annapoorna Food Show’. Our main aim is to help and assist Polish producers and guide them in entering international markets”.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre said, ”Currently trade between India and Poland is US$ 1.88 billion which can double in the next three years by focusing on important sectors of co-operation like defense, agro and food processing, mining, culture and tourism as part of the Make in India initiative of the Government of India. The Indian and Polish companies can collaborate with each other in these important sectors”.

Mr. Kalantri further added that India has opened up for overseas participation in the focus sectors and has requested long-term multiple entry visas which could facilitate opportunities in tourism and cultural promotion.

Mr. Robert Dziedzic, Acting Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi presided over the meeting.

The event concluded with 100 pre-arranged business-to-business meeting with the trade and industry representatives.

In Photo – From (L-R): Mr. Brenda Leszek, Consul General of Poland in Mumbai, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre  and Ms. Katarzyna Kwiecień, Deputy Director, Export Support Bureau, Agriculture Market Agency.