“India needs to create an export culture”, say experts

“India is one of the five priority countries in Responsible Development Strategy of Poland. Bilateral trade between India and Poland has crossed the magic level of USD 3 billion last year and both the countries are taking steps to enhance this to USD 5 billion this year. Recently, we had a fruitful meeting with Mr. Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Railways & Coal to discuss potential areas of collaboration. In order to strengthen bilateral co-operation, the Embassy of Poland will set up its first trade office in India’s commercial capital Mumbai soon,” said H.E. Mr. Adam BURAKOWSKI, Ambassador of Poland to India at an interactive meeting on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Poland organised by World Trade Centre Mumbai and All India Association of Industries in association with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai and Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce. Poland Investment Agency (PIAZ) shall soon open their office in Mumbai to facilitate Trade and Investment , said H.E. Mr. BURAKOWSKI. H.E. Mr. BURAKOWSKI said, “Poland is at the heart of Europe with strong transport network and mature business and investment climate. The country is an attractive destination for foreign investors because of availability of cheap capital and labour, stable financial system and generous policy incentives for investment. Governments from all the three levels, viz. national, regional and local, offer incentives and support to foreign investors.” The Ambassador further remarked,”Poland experienced steady economic growth in the past 30 years and it has an educated and competent human resources. Even amidst the global economic crisis, Poland has only strengthened its poisition in the region of Central Europe and all over the continent.” Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Pan Damian IRZYK, Consul General of Poland in Mumbai said, ”Poland’s 38-million strong consumer market is one of the biggest in Europe. The country’s favourable location, in the Center of Europe, where the main communication routes intersect, makes it possible to export goods to all European countries and thus reach more than 500 million consumers.”   Sharing more information about the strength of the Polish economy, Mr. Damian said, “Foreign investors willingly invest their capital in Poland treating it as a safe haven in times of economic instability and raising protectionism. Tourists, in turn, are enchanted by Polish hospitality and friendliness, Poland’s cultural heritage, pristine environment and the country’s natural landscape.” Earlier in his welcome address,Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) said, “Poland is a promising destination to promote trade, investment, tourism and culture as there are tremendous opportunities. Especially, there are lot opportunities in mining, agro-products and tourism. We can use Poland as a hub to European Union, specifically to manufacture and export pharmaceutical products. Poland has excellent diplomatic and economic relationship. If India has to grow at 8-10% per annum in the next three years, we need technology collaboration with Poland.” Ms. Rupa Naik,Senior Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai proposed vote of thanks for the event. The interactive meeting was attended by over 200 people from trade and industry representing diverse sectors such as mining, waste management, media and entertainment, food processing, tourism, among others. Representatives from more than 60 companies participated in the B2B and G2B meeting that followed the event.

Distinguished delegates and dignitaries from World Trade Centre Mumbai at an interactive meeting on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Poland. (From Left to Right) Mr. Pan Damian IRZYK, Consul General of Poland in Mumbai, Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), H.E. Mr. Adam BURAKOWSKI, Ambassador of Poland to India