Polish Market No.4 (283)/2019

PU B LISHED SIncE 199 6 No. 4 (283) /2019 :: www.polishmarket.com.pl

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The 11Th european economic congress

........................

• TransporT • medicine • regions ........................

中波合作 chinese-polish cooperaTion

........................

“IDEAS come from the needs of my patients…

I often thought about what else I should do for my patients.

I constantly strive towards improving the services of my company.”

BETAMED SA AND DRZAZGA CLINIC PRESIDENT

beata

Drzazga

ONTENT

6 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PRESS OFFICE 7 FROM THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION CENTRE

POLAND - THE CENTENARY OF REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

8 LAYING SOLID FOUNDATIONS – MACIEJ PROLIŃSKI

10 LIFE-CHANGING COMPETITION INDUSTRY 4.0

12 “POLISH MARKET” DEBATE: HEAVY INDUSTRY IN ECONOMY 4.0

18 TOWARD ECONOMY 4.0 TRANSPORT

21 RAILWAYS OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES ANDRZEJ BITTEL, DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE

22 HIGH GEAR TRANSPORT- MAŁGORZATA

ZIELIŃSKA, UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

24 INTEGRATING TRANSPORT 26 HYPERLOOP IS COMING- PRZEMYSŁAW PĄCZEK, PRESIDENT, HYPER POLAND

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

29 POLISH-CHINESE ECONOMIC COOPERATION

30 LOOK FOR COMMON INTERESTS- LIU

GUANGYUAN, H.E. AMBASSADOR OF CHINA IN POLAND

34 CHINA IS THE BIGGEST TRADE

PARTNER OF POLAND IN ASIA - WOJCIECH ZAJĄCZKOWSKI, POLISH AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

36 CHINESE INVESTORS ZOOM IN ON

POLAND- ANDRZEJ JUCHNIEWICZ, THE HEAD OF THE FOREIGN TRADE OFFICE IN SHANGHAI, POLISH INVESTMENT AND TRADE AGENCY

38 STRATEGICALLY POISED ON THE NEW SILK ROAD

40 TO PROMOTE COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND POLAND - LIU HONGXING, THE PRESIDENT, SINOCHAM

42 TECHNOLOGY – A PRIORITY FOR CHINA'S

DEVELOPMENT - GUO PEIDONG, CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE, CHINA COUNCIL FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CCPIT) IN POLAND

44 ABOUT RELATIONS WITH CHINA. WHAT

TO DO TO HAVE TWO WINNERS? - ANDRZEJ PIECZONKA, FORMER COUNSELLOR, TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION SECTION, POLISH CONSULATE GENERAL IN SHANGHAI

46 SILK ROAD – NEW GLOBAL CHALLENGE

AND OPPORTUNITY - JANUSZ PIECHOCIŃSKI, PRESIDENT, POLISH-ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

48. A TOUR D'HORIZON OF THE REFORM

AND OPENING-UP - MICHAŁ KOŁAKOWSKI

50 WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND CURRENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES - MAŁGORZATA CEBELIŃSKA, SALES DIRECTOR OF MLEKPOL DAIRY COOPERATIVE IN GRAJEWO

EDITORIAL

A

fter a winter of bad emotions, threats, restrictions, the cooling of the global economy and gloomy predictions for the future came a spring of expectation. It is an expectation of something better to come because, as you know, hope dies last.

This expectation is reflected in projections made by international analytical institutions. They can be described in simple terms as “bland”. In the World Economic Outlook released in April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised down its global GDP growth forecast for 2019 to 3.3% and kept its forecast for 2020 unchanged at 3.6%, but added that it expected a slight acceleration in the second half of this year. Why? The IMF points to a more “accommodative monetary policy pursued by the largest central banks, a policy which has become possible thanks to reduced inflationary pressure.” The World Bank, headed

by David Malpass, newly appointed to the post of WB president by Donald Trump, is more cautious and predicts that the global economic growth will slow to 2.9% in 2019 and 2.8% in 2020 and 2021.

The analysts of the world economy say unanimously that their optimism is a result of reduced tensions between the main global players. A prospect has emerged for a trade agreement between the United States and China. And the European Union and China have taken the decision to negotiate an agreement on mutual investment by the end of the year and initiate a reform of the World Trade Organisation. On the other hand, however, serious threats are well visible. Coface Group, a global leader on the credit insurance market, points at its annual Country Risk Conferences to four main global risk areas in 2019: unpredictability of fundamental political decisions in individual countries, economic protectionism, opportunities and risks created by new

technologies, and global debt. It reached USD244 trillion this year and is now 50% higher than 10 years ago. And the central banks have no simple solution to the problem.

Against this background, the present and future state of the Polish economy looks surprisingly good. The Ministry of Finance has just published an update of the convergence programme.

The document, which Poland is required to submit to Brussels, contains forecasts for the main economic indicators for the next years. The Ministry raised its GDP growth projection for 2019 to 4%. Consequently, other indicators were also revised upwards. In recent weeks, the IMF, World Bank and S&P credit ratings agency have also revised up their projections for Poland. According to these institutions, the Polish economy will be growing at the fastest pace in our region, which also includes Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia.

It is a great success and it looks particularly inspiring in a year which marks the 15th anniversary of our entry to the European Union. The global and European economic conditions have seen ups and downs over this period, but our economy, as the only one in the European Union, has been on an upward trend all along.

As a publisher promoting the Polish economy, science and culture in the world, “Polish Market” had the honour to take part in these events.

The first issue of our magazine came out in September 1996. The Committee for European Integration, which coordinated all matters associated with Poland’s integration with the EU, started its activity in October 1996. We published many reports on its activity. “Polish Market” witnessed the end of EU accession negotiations in Copenhagen, the signing of the Treaty of Accession in Athens, the EU enlargement ceremony in Dublin on May 1, 2004 and then our 15 years in the Union. And we are ready for more.

Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek Editor-in-Chief President of Rynek Polski Publishers Co. Ltd.

4/2019 polish market

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MEDICINE

52 MONEY HAS NEVER BEEN MY PRIORITY. PEOPLE ARE - BEATA DRZAZGA, OWNER AND PRESIDENT, BETAMED SA, OWNER, DRZAZGA CLINIC, BETAMED INTERNATIONAL AND DONO DA SCHEGGIA BOUTIQUE

56 TRAIL-BLAZING CANCER SCREENING 59 DA VINCI – THE ART OF TREATMENT AND THE FUTURE OF MODERN SURGERY

60 THE HOSPITAL SHOULD MAKE MONEY NO MATTER WHO OWNS IT - PROF. PAWEŁ BUSZMAN, PRESIDENT, AMERICAN HEART OF POLAND

62 OUR GOAL TO INCREASE THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET - JAN KRUK, PRESIDENT, CF CEFARM SA

64 WE TREAT PEOPLE FOR AGING- BARBARA JERSCHINA,

74 BARLINEK IT MOVES ME! – ANNA WESECKA 75 AN INNOVATIVE MOBILE PLATFORM FOR SHAFT SINKING 78 DIVERSIFIED ENERGY SOURCES CULTURE

80 CULTURAL MONITOR 82 CELEBRATING EUROPE – MACIEJ PROLIŃSKI 83 BILLY BUDD AND FREDRIANA – MACIEJ PROLIŃSKI 84 ATTENTION! AUCTION! OUR INVITATIONS TO ART AUCTIONS

86 HERBAL WELLNESS AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS

MD, LUXMED GROUP

66 MORE THAN COSMETICS- BEATA SMOGORZEWSKA REGIONS

69 THE 5TH EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 72 MEETING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS- MARCIN PAMFIL, PRESIDENT, TERMY UNIEJÓW

4 (283)/2019

88 POZNAŃ MOTOR SHOW SPRING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY- MIROSŁAW WDZIĘCZKOWSKI

89 JAN MAZUREK, MICHAEL STRÖM ECONOMIC MONITOR

PUBLISHER: Oficyna Wydawnicza RYNEK POLSKI Sp. z o.o.

(RYNEK POLSKI Publishers Co. Ltd.)

Polish Market :: 4 (283) /2019

PRESIDENT: Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek

........................

The 11Th european economic congress

........................

• TransporT • medicine • regions ........................

中波合作 chinese-polish cooperaTion

........................

“IDEAS come from the needs of my patients…

I often thought about what else I should do for my patients.

I constantly strive towards improving the services of my company.”

BETAMED SA AND DRZAZGA CLINIC PRESIDENT

beata

Drzazga Cover: Beata Drzazga, Owner and

President, Betamed SA, owner, Drzazga Clinic, Betamed International and Dono Da Scheggia Boutique

Photo source: www.shutterstock.com, www.commons.wikimedia.org unless otherwise stated

TRANSLATION: Sylwia Wesołowska-Betkier, Agit CONTRIBUTORS: Agnieszka Turakiewicz, Mirosław Wdzięczkowski

VICE - PRESIDENTS: Błażej Grabowski, Grażyna Jaskuła

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Agnieszka Charuba, Joanna Wiktoria Grabowska

ADDRESS: ul. Elektoralna 13, 00-137 Warszawa, Poland Phone (+48 22) 620 31 42, 652 95 77 Fax (+48 22) 620 31 37 E-mail: info@polishmarket.com.pl

SALES: Phone (+48 22) 620 38 34, 654 95 77 Marketing Manager: Magdalena Koprowicz m.koprowicz@polishmarket.com.pl

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek

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DEPUTY EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ewelina Janczylik-Foryś redakcja@polishmarket.com.pl

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Jerzy Mosoń j.moson@polishmarket.com.pl ENGLISH EDITOR: Rafał Kiepuszewski

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WRITERS/EDITORS: Jan Sosna, Maciej Proliński, Jerzy Bojanowicz, Jan Mazurek, Andrzej Kazimierski, Janusz Turakiewicz, Janusz Korzeń

Published articles represent the authors’ personal views only. The Editor and Publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for their contents.

Unsolicited material will not be returned. The editors reserve the right to edit the material for length and content. The editors accept no responsibility whatsoever for the content of advertising material. Reproduction of any material from this magazine requires prior written permission from the Publisher.

PU B LISHED SIncE 199 6 No. 4 (283) /2019 :: www.polishmarket.com.pl

ORGANIC FOOD

MARKET LEADER IN LOGISTICS SERVICES

www.pkpcargo.com infolinia@pkp-cargo.eu

PRESIDENT

BRINGING DOWN WALLS

P

olish President Andrzej Duda took part in the conference in Warsaw "On the Downfall of Communism. 1989 in Central and Eastern Europe," which was organised to mark the 30th anniversary of the end of round table talks between the democratic opposition and the country’s then communist rulers. “In my opinion, the talks were of enormous importance. They led to a bloodless revolution and political changes (…) I felt immense and unlimited joy, great excitement, and had a wonderful feeling that we had moved closer to something which we dreamed of - towards freedom, in which we could live and progress (…) It is not about whether the elections of June 4, 1989 were totally or partly free. It is all about what the people of Poland demonstrated at that time. In a spectacular way, they overruled the communist elite and in effect went beyond the round table agreements," President Duda said. He underscored that in the aftermath of the elections of 1989 Poland was able to join the EU and NATO to become a member of the western community, “not just in the sense of cultural affinity and identity, but also in a political sense."

BERLIN PROCESS IN ACTION

(Sources: polskieradio24.pl, president.pl, PAP)

P

resident Andrzej Duda hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of the countries which take part in the Berlin Process in Warsaw on April 11. The Berlin Process is a platform for the integration of the Western Balkans with Euro-Atlantic structures. During the meeting, the president stressed that only a combination of three dimensions, that is economic reforms, state reforms and military security among the Western Balkan countries, offers viable chances for the region's integration with the Euro-Atlantic zone. He noted that the current year is important for the Western Balkans' integration process with the EU, as the latter has been negotiating its next budget and the action plan for the new European Commission, the EU's executive arm. The Berlin Process is a German-led inter-governmental initiative to promote the expansion of the European Union to eventually include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, and to strengthen regional cooperation. Poland joined the initiative last year.

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BUCHAREST NINE UNITY STRENGTHENS NATO

T

he head of the National Security Bureau Paweł Soloch told a meeting with a group of visiting defence ministers of Central and Eastern European countries that the Bucharest Nine "has a common assessment of threats and the security situation. Its unity contributes to the unity of NATO.” The Bucharest Nine defence ministers attended a gala dinner hosted by President Andrzej Duda. The Bucharest Nine countries are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Poland. The meeting was attended by the representative of the US Defence Secretary to Europe Richard B. Landolt. "This shows the significance of the Bucharest Nine to NATO and transatlantic relations," the head of the National Security Bureau said. He added that the meeting focused on the security of the alliance's south-eastern flank, Romania and Bulgaria, and NATO moves aimed at ensuring security in the Black Sea. The focus was also on joint military exercises and defence spending, which should reach the level of 2% of each country’s GDP.

POLISH OAK IN VATICAN GARDENS

A

Polish oak tree was planted in the Vatican City Gardens to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and the Vatican renewed after the country’s re-emergence on the map of Europe in 1918. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State Giuseppe Bertello and Polish Ambassador to the Holy See Janusz Kotański. In May 2018, 101 oak seedlings were blessed

by Pope Francis during a general audience. They were clones of the Bartek oak, Poland’s oldest tree. In a message President Andrzej Duda wrote: "May this oak symbolise Poland's pride. So characteristic of the Polish landscape, may it rustle majestically among the greatest testimonies to the Christian heritage." In a personal message, Pope Francis noted that the oak, coming from a Polish forest, will be a symbol of life and strong bonds between Poland and the Holy See.

PRIME MINISTER

SOFT OR HARD BREXIT?

P

rime Minister Mateusz Mazowiecki took part in a meeting in Brussels of the European Council devoted to the extension to Brexit. The Council agreed to delay Brexit under flexible terms until October 31. Before that date, a review of the situation is to be carried out in the United Kingdom in June. “We managed to find a solution out of this deadlock. We are doing what we can not to let hard Brexit happen,” Mateusz Morawiecki said. He noted that “the most important thing for Poland was that we managed to protect the interests of our fellow countrymen living in the UK."

DOWN THE SILK ROAD

P

olish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met in Montenegro with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the 9th Business Forum of Central and Eastern Europe and China. He described the summit as a success. "This is the right format, because the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have a similar approach to economic and investment policy, and in this way our countries are negotiating with China." During the meeting with his Chinese opposite number, Mateusz Morawiecki discussed exports to China of Polish meat, cosmetics and industrial products. He stressed that Poland is interested in attracting Chinese investors. The 16 + 1 platform covers 11 EU Member States, 5 European countries outside the EU and the People's Republic of China. Greece has also joined the 16 + 1 format.

DEMOCRATIC CAPITALISM

P

rime Minister Mateusz Mazowiecki delivered a lecture at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw on April 11 entitled “Democratic capitalism for all and not just a few.” He said that the government has taken action to widen the reach of the middle class in Poland. “We must seek a third way – democratic capitalism. This means organising the state and the market in a way which strengthens democracy while maintaining a capitalist economy. Democratic capitalism lay at the foundation of the economic success in Western countries. Strengthening the democratic principles of the free market is the best idea for economic development,”

“

WE MANAGED TO FIND A SOLUTION OUT OF THIS DEADLOCK. WE ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN NOT TO LET HARD BREXIT HAPPEN.”

he observed. The Prime Minister emphasised that the government is maintaining the Polish currency as a crucial element of its economic policy. In his opinion, adopting the euro and the consequences of this depend on the level of economic development of a given country and the structure of its economy.

TAKING SMEs INTO EU MARKETS

“

Solutions proposed by the Industrial Development Agency (ARP) are well suited to the niche of small Polish business,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at the opening of the first ARP Entrepreneur Service Centre in the city of Wrocław.

“The Agency’s task is to help businesses thrive. So far its assistance has been dedicated to large businesses. Now the Agency is opening its doors to the sector of small and medium-sized businesses, which is dominant in Poland,” he noted. The new ARP Optimization+ package introduces products aimed at providing support to SMEs, in the form of investment, working capital and restructuring loans. Comprehensive support for SMEs from the outset gives them an edge on the European market. The agency plans to

continue opening Entrepreneur Service Centres throughout the country.

BUILDING A EUROPEAN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

R

epresentatives of GovTech Polska have signed another in a series of international agreements to create a basis for a single European innovation ecosystem. Its aim is to strengthen partnerships based on sharing knowledge, common values and the common goal of introducing a digital revolution to the public sector. GovTech Polska is a team which operates under the auspices of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. During the 12 months of its work, it has held consultations with Polish business, entrepreneurs, scientists and other creative entities to develop, together with the Public Procurement Office, a pioneering model of acquiring technologies in the public sector. Increasing the participation of SMEs, start-ups and technology innovators in public procurement, the approach has attracted the interest of 20 countries. An agreement which was recently signed with the Austrian Competence Centre for Innovative Procurement follows on the heels of an earlier agreement with Scottish CivTech.

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POLAND THE CENTENARY OF REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

LAYING SOLID FOUNDATIONS The Łukasiewicz Research Network was inaugurated at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technology in Warsaw on April 1. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki took part in the ceremony. He stressed that Polish science could be the most powerful engine for the development of the country’s economy. The goal of the network, which includes 38 research institutes which fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology, is to conduct studies and development work important for the state. The network’s patron is Ignacy Łukasiewicz (1822-1882,) a renowned Polish pharmacist, entrepreneur, public and patriotic activist, philanthropist and inventor of the kerosene lamp. Deputy Minister of Science Piotr Dardziński has been appointed President of the network.

Maciej Proliński

T

he establishment of the Łukasiewicz Research Network is the result of the reform of research institutes aimed at strengthening the market potential of R&D activities carried out at institutes and increasing the transfer of knowledge and technology from these institutes to companies. It is an important element of the Strategy for Responsible Economic Development until 2020. The goal of the network is to conduct implementation studies and development work vital for Poland’s development. It is to ensure more effective cooperation among research institutes integrated in it, thanks to the pooling of financial and human resources, real estate and intellectual property rights management mechanisms. Those behind the network hope it will form a bridge between science and the economy. Its task will also be to conduct activities aimed at shaping public awareness of advanced technologies. The network is to help, among others, in securing EU funding, for example from the Horizon 2020 Programme, and its successor, Horizon Europe. The network is supposed to allow Poland to compete in these programmes on equal terms. The Łukasiewicz network has a billion-dollar state-of-the-art research base, the construction of which exceeds the financial capabilities of most companies. It employs staff not normally available to Polish business on a daily basis. Thus it facilitates partnerships among those who value time and who regard the construction of their own research centres as unrealistic

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Jadwiga Emilewicz, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology and Piotr Dardziński, President of the Łukasiewicz Research Network

and unprofitable. "I have believed from the beginning that Polish science can be the most powerful engine for the development of the Polish economy. I believe not only that, as the old Polish proverb says 'education and work make you rich,' but also that thanks to the latest technological solutions we will be able to achieve what we envisage in the plan for responsible economic development, namely, industry saturated with scientific thought," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at the inauguration of the network. He emphasised that interdisciplinary

and international teams already operate at the Cezamat Centre. "This shows that Polish science increasingly achieves world standards. It also shows that productivity, which is an invisible and at the same time extremely important parameter, is growing," added Prime Minister Morawiecki.

Minister of Science and Higher Education Jarosław Gowin added that the Łukasiewicz Network "will integrate and achieve synergy in the functioning of several dozen institutes.

They are to be the foundation for the dynamic development of a modern Polish economy. "

POLAND THE CENTENARY OF REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

President Piotr Dardziński said that the Łukasiewicz Research Network is being set up “because we want to serve the Polish economy. We want the 2,000 scientists who work for these institutes to effectively support Polish entrepreneurs. It is the driving force for what is the most innovative in Polish science and the Polish economy. As a business project, the Łukasiewicz network will break with the stereotype of a research unit perceived as a place inaccessible to entrepreneurs and a hermetic scientific environment. We want to provide a friendly and accessible bridge between business and science. We want to sell research results and intellectual property rights to business, as well as renting out technological facilities and research personnel to carry out tests of new ideas in laboratory or semi-technical conditions. We will be a helpful and understanding business partner for companies

“

AS A BUSINESS PROJECT, THE ŁUKASIEWICZ NETWORK WILL BREAK WITH THE STEREOTYPE OF A RESEARCH UNIT PERCEIVED AS A PLACE INACCESSIBLE TO ENTREPRENEURS AND A HERMETIC SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT.”

which expect support in charting the directions of their development. " This year "Polish Market" runs a special section devoted to the history of Polish statehood, the history and present day of Polish culture, science, and selected events implemented under the government's long-term Niepodległa programme which marks the centenary of the country’s return to the map of Europe. Thus, it seems fitting to mention the great Polish scientist after whom the new research network has been named. For much of the history of 20th century science is based on Łukasiewicz's trail-blazing achievements. Ignacy Łukasiewicz (1822-1882) was a world-famous inventor and pioneer of the oil industry in Europe. In 1852, he successfully carried out the first distillation of crude oil by removing chemical impurities. He was proved correct in assuming that a boiling oil mixture produces vapour whose composition differs from that of a liquid mixture. In this

way he obtained kerosene, a liquid petroleum fraction. The scientist then found practical uses for kerosene. In 1853 he designed and built the first kerosene lamp. He illuminated his pharmacy shop window with it. In the same year, he introduced kerosene lamps to a hospital in the city of Lwów (now Lviv.) Łukasiewicz also built the world's first oil well and refinery. Both were located on Polish territories in the Austrian zone of occupation. The first oil well in the world, which is still active today, was built in Bóbrka in 1854. It is now the site of the Oil Industry Museum. The world’s first oil refinery where kerosene, lubricants and asphalt were produced, was built in Ulaszowice near Jasło in 1856. Łukasiewicz was not just a scientist and businessman. He was also a public activist and patriot. He became involved in the independence movement in his youth. In 187781 he was a member of the regional parliament of the ethnically Polish Austro-Hungarian

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Piotr Dardziński, President of the Łukasiewicz Research Network

province of Galicja, dealing with the economy, education and culture. On his initiative the law on mines was amended, which enabled private capital to become involved in the development of the new industry. In 1880, at his request, the regional parliament granted the first considerable subsidies for exploratory drilling in the Gorlice area. Łukasiewicz, along with his partner Tytus Trzecieski, financially supported the January Uprising of 1863, which broke out in the neighbouring Russian occupation zone. After its collapse, Łukasiewicz offered assistance to Polish freedom fighters in exile. He also donated to charity and public undertakings. He sponsored the construction of roads and bridges, as well as sponsoring schools and religious organisations. He was described as a very fair employer who paid high wages and offered his workers health and social insurance, which few employers did at the time. These achievements met with the interest of Pope Pius IX, who in 1873 conferred on Łukasiewicz the title of cameriere di cappa e spada (Papal Chamberlain) granted to great philanthropists. He also awarded him with the order of Saint Gregory, which is the highest distinction for lay people for activities beneficial for the Roman Catholic Church.

A number of Polish schools, universities, institutions, streets and squares have been named after the great scientist and entrepreneur. The Rzeszów University of Technology has made him its patron. One of Łukasiewicz’s famous sayings is "More light and work for the poor country and people."

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POLAND THE CENTENARY OF REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

LIFE-CHANGING

COMPETITION Maciej Proliński

This year marks the 200th birth anniversary of composer and conductor Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872). His output encompasses songs, ballets and operas, including the most famous Polish operas "Halka" and "The Haunted Manor."

2019 has been declared by the Polish Parliament as Moniuszko Year. One of the highlights of the celebrations will be the tenth edition of the Stanisław Moniuszko International Vocal Competition, which will take place at the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera in Warsaw on May 6 - 11. On the day of the composer’s birth, May 5, the grand opening gala and a concert featuring the winners of previous editions will take place there. Honorary patronage over the competition has been assumed by Minister of Culture and National Heritage Prof. Piotr Gliński.

T

he event is the most important vocal competition in Poland. It is also regarded as one of the most significant competitions in the world, as evidenced by the great interest of talented young singers from several continents. 378 applications from over 50 countries have been received this time, out

10 polish market

of which 105 singers from 35 countries were admitted to take part. "Traditionally, singers from Poland account for the majority of applicants, because the competition is well known here, very much embedded in tradition and is the biggest competition in this country," says Beata Klatka, director of the competition. She adds that interest in the event

abroad keeps growing. Countries represented this year include Ukraine, Russia, Korea, the United States and China. The competition, which is organised every three years, is an opportunity for young vocalists to demonstrate their skills in front of an international jury, as well as to promote the profile and achievements of the outstanding Polish composer. From the very beginning, the competition has been more than just a contest. It is also an opportunity to promote Polish vocal pieces to international audiences - from works already considered classic repertoire to contemporary pieces. Audiences are able to find out about the Polish cultural heritage which is shared with young artists from foreign countries and music lovers around the world. Most of the repertoire consists of music by Moniuszko. Works by Fryderyk Chopin, Karol Szymanowski, Ignacy Jan Paderewski and prominent contemporary Polish composers, such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Paweł Mykietyn, also figure prominently. The competition has been held since 1992. Its originator was Maria Fołtyn (1924-2012), an outstanding Polish soprano, opera director and one of the moving spirits of the Polish music scene. She is described as a true institution of Polish culture.

She made her stage debut in 1949 in the title role in Moniuszko's opera “Halka” at the Silesian Opera in the city of Bytom. She then became a soloist of Warsaw’s Teatr Wielki -Polish National Opera. She went on a European concert tour in 1965-1967. On return to Poland, she worked as a soloist at the Łódź opera house. Her most important parts included arias and songs by Moniuszko. Her repertoire also featured works by Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Wagner. She was a laureate of two international vocal competitions - in Vercelli (1956) and Chiararte (1957). As an opera director, she made her debut with Moniuszko's “Halka” in Havana in 1971. Between 1977 and 1998 she was the artistic director of the popular Moniuszko Festival in Kudowa Zdrój. In 1984 she founded the Moniuszko Music Lovers’ Society, and a year later she became its first president. In 1992, she organised the first Moniuszko International Vocal Competition and was then in charge of all its editions until 2010. "Moniuszko shaped my life, he became my leitmotif, my strength. But I paid off my debt by promoting his music all over the world.

'Halka' has become not just my artistic weapon. The opera also helped me to teach others about love and forgiveness. I showed Poles as a nation which is able to forgive, even though it has been wronged and is in pain," she said in one of her interviews. Her ambition was to make Moniuszko, whose national operas and songs are quintessentially Polish and beloved by Polish people, a household name in

Maria Fołtyn, mat. ORFEO THE Bogusław Kaczynski Foundation

POLAND THE CENTENARY OF REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

“

MONIUSZKO SHAPED MY LIFE, HE BECAME MY LEITMOTIF, MY STRENGTH. BUT I PAID OFF MY DEBT BY PROMOTING HIS MUSIC ALL OVER THE WORLD."

foreign countries, too. Fołtyn was jocularly called "Moniuszko’s widow” and even his "illegitimate daughter." She truly was a great ambassador of his work in the world. Thanks to her, his music was performed in America, Asia and Europe.

The Moniuszko Vocal Competition, one of Maria Fołtyn's most important achievements, is addressed above all to under-35 opera singers from around the world. It is divided into three stages. In each of them, the participants perform works by Polish and foreign composers. During the competition, apart from the main prizes, numerous special awards are also presented, including the Teatr Wielki Polish National Opera award for those who take part in its opera productions, preceded by rehearsals, the Ada Sari award for the best soprano, the Wanda Wermińska award for the best mezzo-soprano, the Jan Kiepura award for the best tenor, the Adam Didur award for the best baritone and bass and the Moniuszko award for the best performance of the composer’s works. The first two competitions took place at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw. Since 1998, the event has been

held at the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera, a place which is regarded as best suited to showcase Moniuszko’s music because of the composer’s close relationship with the Warsaw opera company. It was here in 1858 that the premiere of "Halka" took place, followed by "The Haunted Manor" in 1865. Moniuszko was also the first conductor and director of the Warsaw opera company. During previous editions of the competition the jury included such outstanding Polish and international artists as Teresa Żylis-Gara, Andrzej Hiolski, Ryszard Karczykowski, Ewa Podleś and Marta Eggerth. Apart from eminent artists and singers, there were also managers of the world's leading opera houses, such as the Royal Opera House, Oper Frankfurt and Houston Grand Opera. This year's jury includes outstanding figures from the world of music, directors of renowned music institutions, managers and singers. Among them are John Allison, editorin-chief of the Opera Magazine, Piotr Beczała, the leading Polish tenor of international renown, Jonathan Friend, artistic director of the Metropolitan Opera, Izabella Kłosińska, casting director of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera and Robert Korner, artistic director of the Opéra National de Lyon. The circle of the competition’s winners and finalists includes such acclaimed artists as Aleksandra Kurzak, Urszula Kryger, Małgorzata Walewska, Mariusz Kwiecień, Alexei Markov, and Vladimir Moroz. The winners of the previous ninth edition, Salome Jicia (Georgia,) Andrzej Filończyk, Ewa Tracz, Jakub Józef Orliński, Joanna Zawartko (Poland) and Leon Košavić (Croatia), now rank among the most renowned artists of the younger generation and can boast of successes on the most important concert and opera stages, such as London’s Royal Opera house, the Deutsche Oper in Berlin and the Bolshoi in Moscow.

Stanisław Moniuszko, the founder of the Polish national opera and Polish artistic song, was also the first conductor of the Polish Opera in the Grand Theater in Warsaw. "Polish Market" featured a large section devoted to him in its January issue. On August 1, 1858, Moniuszko was appointed head of the Warsaw opera company, where for nearly 15 years he staged all of his operas. He is the composer of "Halka," probably the most famous Polish opera, which tells the story of tragic love of a highlander girl for nobleman Janusz. This year’s vocal competition held in Moniuszko’s honour, offers music lovers a perfect chance to find out more about Moniuszko and Polish music culture. For the third time, the event will be available as a live webcast, on the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera VOD platform: vod.teatrwielki.pl, and on OperaVision. eu.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

“POLISH MARKET” DEBATE: HEAVY INDUSTRY IN ECONOMY 4.0 Is heavy industry in Poland ready for Economy 4.0? Are more robots in the workplace a chance or a threat to the crew? How can Mother Earth endure the next industrial revolution? In what way can the consumer benefit and where to get the necessary amounts of energy from? A debate hosted by "Polish Market" magazine was held at the Polonia Palace hotel in Warsaw to discuss these questions. It was organised in conjunction with KGHM Polska Miedź SA with meaningful support from the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology and the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development. Participants in the debate included Ireneusz Jazownik, Director of the Central Information Processing Centre, KGHM Polska Miedź SA, Lidia Marcinkowska-Bartkowiak, Chief Communications Officer, KGHM Polska Miedź SA, Krzysztof Zaręba, Head of the Industrial Policy Department, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology, who in his address also presented issues important from the point of view of the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development, Andrzej Wójcik, Vice President for Trade and Development, Fabryka Kotłów SEFAKO, Jarosław Zagórowski, Advisor to the Board, Carboautomatyka, Andrzej Kaźmierski - Enterprise Project Manager, Industrial Development Agency, and Juliusz Bolek – Chairman of the Council of Directors, Business Institute.

The Rynek Polski Publishing House was represented by its President and “Polish Market” Editor-in-Chief Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek and journalists Ewelina Janczylik-Foryś and Jerzy Mosoń. * The following material contains highlights of the discussion. The entire debate is available in video format.

WHAT IS ECONOMY 4.0?

KRZYSZTOF ZARĘBA, Head of the Industrial Policy Department, Department of Innovation, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology

When it comes to industry in the fourth industrial revolution, we think about using the latest integrated technologies. So far, we have focused on technologies that may have existed on their own. Now the point is to connect them all, so that they can function without the participation of humans, or with their limited involvement. Another thing is to create new business models which will not interfere with what these machines do. Yet another one is a new approach to management, which is called ‘agile’ in English. Translated literally into Polish, it doesn’t really say much, but the point is that, as part of this revolution, we will get even more data, we will collect it in real time and we will be able to use it. We collect a lot of data now, but we do not always know what to do with it. In Industry 4.0, the smart machine will learn constantly, and it will analyse what conclusions

12 polish market

should be drawn from this data. We're really talking about a revolution, something which seemed pure fantasy just 25 years ago. What's more, some are of the opinion that we are on the verge of the fifth revolution, because although machines already talk to each other, they will also be able to communicate with us soon, which means that we will be able to function together. Today we talk about cobots (cooperating robots,) and in a short while we will deal with humanoids which (who?) will communicate with us. Please note that they may become smarter than us. For now, it's just fantasy.

“

SOME ARE OF THE OPINION THAT WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF THE FIFTH REVOLUTION, BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH MACHINES TALK WITH EACH OTHER NOW, THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH US SOON, WHICH MEANS THAT WE WILL WORK TOGETHER."

INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

Andrzej Kaźmierski, Industrial Development Agency

ANDRZEJ KAŹMIERSKI, Enterprise Project Manager, Industrial Development Agency

I view the fourth industrial revolution a little differently, because it is very different from previous revolutions. Once, technology was imposed from above, machines were installed and industrial crews were instructed to use them. People embraced this, with minor or major protests. What sets the current revolution apart, which will translate, among others, into education, it is the necessity to meet challenges posed by the present day: dwindling access to non-renewable resources, environmental protection and energy deficits. All this means that you need to start thinking a bit differently than before, to think laterally: do I need to own this machine or can anyone provide the service to me? Should I buy a vacuum cleaner or hire a cleaning service? The world is moving toward delegating tasks. That’s our only option. The crux of the 4.0 industrial revolution is to develop linear thinking based on independent and creative search for solutions.

As for heavy industry, the current revolution has a lot to do with it. Large costs generated by heavy industry, including investment costs, make the sector only moderately flexible, and that’s a big problem.

“

THE CRUX OF THE 4.0 INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IS TO DEVELOP LINEAR THINKING BASED ON INDEPENDENT AND CREATIVE SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS."

Ireneusz Jazownik, KGHM Polska Miedź SA

AT WHAT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT ARE WE? KRZYSZTOF ZARĘBA

Economy 4.0 is a global trend. Europe is trying to catch up. The race is led by China, which has already invested huge amounts of money in Industry 4.0. It is followed by the United States. All strategies being developed at the level of European and national committees, deal with artificial intelligence. I hope that this trend will be maintained, because those who disregard it, will be doomed to failure.

In Poland, there is now talk about making a leap from a labour-intensive economy, that is Economy 2.0, straight to Economy 4.0. But please bear it in mind that most enterprises are still at the stage of Economy 2.0, or maybe 2.5. They have just introduced certain automation solutions. To move on to an economy based on knowledge and data (which is also a novelty) - because it is impossible to obtain data without knowledge - a revolution is needed. You thus bypass the stage of a capital-intensive economy. What’s it like in practice? Take the example of the automotive industry in Poland in the 1990s. We embraced automation, and as you know, the purchase of machines requires large amounts of money, which means a capital-intensive economy.

“

ECONOMY 4.0 IS A GLOBAL TREND. EUROPE IS TRYING TO CATCH UP. THE RACE IS LED BY CHINA."

Krzysztof Zaręba, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology Every year, a report entitled "International Robotics" is released, informing us how many robots there are per 10,000 workers employed in industry. In Poland, the number grows by 50% year-on-year. In 2018, we had 36 robots per 10,000 workers. The corresponding figure in Korea increased by just 1/8, but there are already 710 robots per 10,000 workers there.

The respective figures for Slovakia, Hungary and Czechia are over 100. In Germany it is over 350. We also have a low awareness of what Industry 4.0 is. But we recognise that large companies will manage to implement it because they have the means to do it. It is much worse when it comes to SMEs. That is why we have created the Platform for the Future Industry Foundation to support entrepreneurs in the area of digital transformation - in terms of processes, products and business models.

IRENEUSZ JAZOWNIK, Director, Central Information Processing Centre, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

We are the world’s sixth largest producer of copper and the second largest producer of silver. This means that we are the ones others are chasing, not the other way around. On the other hand, without innovation, we could not have become leaders, we would have stayed in the follow-on group. Others come to learn from us. Even Canadians are amazed. They say they don’t have such technologies and economies of scale. That’s quite exceptional.

Perhaps they don’t have the kind of deposits which we do. But since we have large deposits, we must have appropriate technologies to create the economies of scale. We use various tools to achieve this: from the internet of things, to big data, to automation and electromobility.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

Jarosław Zagórowski, Przedsiębiorstwo Kompletacji i Montażu Systemów Automatyki Carboautomatyka S.A

“

WE ARE THE WORLD’S SIXTH LARGEST PRODUCER OF COPPER AND THE SECOND LARGEST PRODUCER OF SILVER. THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE THE ONES OTHERS ARE CHASING, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND."

In my branch, at the Information Processing Centre, we already have three electric vehicles that replace cars powered by internal combustion engines. I introduced the driver recognition system, adjusting the driving style, as well as system which predicts where the car is to go after the destination has been set. Thanks to this technology, the driver can get a suggestion to use another car due to the battery charge level. We also have the KGHM 4.0 Programme, which covers a fairly wide range from information systems to production and safety systems.

WHAT CAN INDUSTRY 4.0 OFFER POLAND? KRZYSZTOF ZARĘBA

The Strategy for Responsible Development, which was unveiled three years ago, took note of what is happening around the world.

Industry 4.0 is to be a panacea for some development traps awaiting Poland, for example the middle income trap, because through Industry 4.0 we will increase efficiency, and

14 polish market

Juliusz Bolek, Business Institute

Andrzej Wójcik, Fabryka Kotłów SEFAKO

will make the economy more productive. For changes will also apply to services provided for industry and services unrelated to it. We will be able to customise products which we will manufacture. Customisation will enable us to achieve higher profit margins. Some say that we will be able to customise everything, but it is not certain, and certainly it is not easy. As consumers, we differ, we generally need standardised products that differ only in terms of details. In the manufacturing process, there are limitations which make it difficult to come up with products which differ significantly from one another.

Another problem, which is worth taking into account, is that we will soon experience labour shortages caused by demographic trends. In 2030, we will have 2.5 million fewer potential employees on the market than five years ago. And an estimated 1.2 million Ukrainians and 0.6 million Belarusians who work in Poland, will not be enough. Industry will need to make a profound transition toward automation. At the same time, let us remember about the difference between robotisation and automation: a machine works according to an algorithm and if it breaks down, that’s it. The robot has a theoretical chance to be wrong.

JAROSŁAW ZAGÓROWSKI, Advisor to the Board, Przedsiębiorstwo Kompletacji i Montażu Systemów Automatyki Carboautomatyka SA

“

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROBOTISATION AND AUTOMATION? A MACHINE WORKS ACCORDING TO AN ALGORITHM AND IF IT BREAKS DOWN, THAT’S IT. THE ROBOT HAS A THEORETICAL CHANCE TO BE WRONG."

Carboautomatyka is a company which started out by providing equipment for this industry.

It now enters new markets. Half of its revenue comes from outside the mining industry. We use the concept Industry 4.0 in compiling our market offering. We make use of our experience gathered in mining, in heavy industry, at a time when we used to build machinery which needed to work one thousand metres underground, in the toughest conditions you can possibly imagine. And we use this knowledge and experience in other industries. One example is the construction of high-power ventilation and air conditioning systems. In mining they are commonplace, and in industrial construction, we are only learning about it, building central ventilation systems. If you look at some buildings, they are dotted with air-conditioning units on the outside. This is no longer allowed. We make an attempt to use knowledge gained in another industry.

IN WHAT WAY DOES ECONOMY 4.0 AFFECT SAFETY? IRENEUSZ JAZOWNIK

The safety of industrial crews is important for a number of reasons. In Germany it was calculated that the death of a single miner

INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

costs about EUR 2.5 million. Apart from social consequences, the financial factor is also important. Meanwhile, many people still imagine headings in Polish mines to be dark and dirty. But a Polish mine now looks completely different than before. The headings are illuminated, everything is mechanised and operators sit inside capsules. Everything which is happening underground looks like from a "Star Wars" movie. We withdraw miners from places where the operating risk is too high. In their place we introduce robots.

“

WE WITHDRAW MINERS FROM PLACES WHERE THE OPERATING RISK IS TOO HIGH. IN THEIR PLACE WE INTRODUCE ROBOTS."

LIDIA MARCINKOWSKABARTKOWIAK, Chief Communications Officer, KGHM Polska Miedź SA

We try to use data to improve security, which is not so easy, because in order for it to be useful, we would need to find the right algorithm. For two months, a large international team of mathematicians has been working for us. Their goal is to come up with a new algorithm to predict rock bursts, which unlike seismic tremors, are very difficult to predict. If we could raise safety in this way, this would mark a huge success. We have noticed that miners with twenty years of experience predict rock bumps a fraction of a second earlier than others, which means that there must be an algorithm we weren’t aware of.

From left: LIDIA MARCINKOWSKA-BARTKOWIAK, Chief Communications Officer, KGHM Polska Miedź SA and IRENEUSZ JAZOWNIK, KGHM Polska Miedź SA

So we have provided mathematicians with all relevant data to come up with it.

WHAT CAN EMPLOYEES EXPECT? JAROSŁAW ZAGÓROWSKI

While the previous revolutions in industry concerned increased efficiency and economy,

the Industry 4.0 revolution concerns employees - replacing them with robots, for safety reasons or because of labour shortages. We and our contractors are already finding it difficult in such areas as gathering knowledge and processing it, and using algorithms to process this knowledge.

At Carboautomatyka, we do not have a unit responsible for Industry 4.0, but instead, we prefer to promote a new way of thinking. Everyone in the company is encouraged to think in terms of new categories. It is our duty, the responsibility of managers, 4/2019 polish market

15

INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

to create the right conditions - we call them knowledge transfers. In a sense, Industry 4.0 began with the transfer of knowledge between research units and contractors. The starting point was how to use science and knowledge to increase productivity.

JULIUSZ BOLEK, Chairman, Council of Directors, Business Institute

We experience labour shortages, so if there is any possibility of transferring some tasks to IT processes or delegating them to machines, it is not only very important, but also the only solution.

Entrepreneurship based on Economy 4.0 will improve the quality of products and their general standard. Of course, this has been going on for a long time since process management was implemented. Actually, what is currently happening in the economy should not be called a revolution, but an evolution because, on our way toward full implementation, we pass successive stages of change. We tend to pinpoint certain events which radically change our reality, but this is quite arbitrary, because it is difficult to say that the creation of the Internet was more of a breakthrough than the invention of the computer, or the other way round. But for sure, the turning point in the current process, which we call Economy 4.0, will be 5G. This does not change the fact that one should talk about evolution, rather than revolution.

ANDRZEJ WÓJCIK, Vice President for Trade and Development, Fabryka Kotłów SEFAKO

Regardless of whether we deal with traditional industry or one within Economy 4.0, communication between people is crucial.

No IT system or cloud can replace communication. Until we create artificial intelligence so advanced that it is able to replace us, these decisions will always be made by a human being. It is advisable that decisions made by humans should be rational, but there is always an element of business intuition or risk assessment, which can also be quantified. I have often encountered situations in which scientists and engineers have committed cardinal errors caused by their inability to articulate what they want to convey.

If we talk about the fact it is worth devoting more time and attention to educating people in science, we must also be aware of the threat of imbalance between the human dimension of competences and those considered as being part of strict sciences.

The main threat is communication errors,

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From left: JAROSŁAW ZAGÓROWSKI and ANDRZEJ KAŹMIERSKI

resulting from insufficient knowledge, including the lack of a humanistic approach on the part of those who take part in the interaction.

ANYTHING TO FEAR? JULIUSZ BOLEK

There is no reason to complain that Economy 4.0 is developing slowly in Poland.

I am an optimist when it comes to its development for two reasons. First of all, there are labour shortages. And if that is the case, we will either fill vacant positions with machines or we will not be able to achieve production targets. Another reason is that labour costs are rising rapidly. As long as they were low, we did not have to introduce robots. Now it becomes a necessity.

Artificial intelligence is developing. The problem is human intelligence which is declining. Maybe artificial intelligence will one day find it difficult to communicate with a human being, because the human will no longer be a match for it.

“

MAYBE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL ONE DAY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO COMMUNICATE WITH A HUMAN BEING, BECAUSE THE HUMAN WILL NO LONGER BE A MATCH FOR IT."

There are two things to take care of: the skill of abstract thinking and creative action, and the knowledge you have. Some of my students say they do not have to, because they can find everything through Google search.

I appreciate that everything can be found there. But a critical question arises: will they be able to ask Google the right kind of questions in the future? Another, even more critical thing, is that one day electricity supply may not be enough. And if there is no electricity, the world will come to a halt, because everything is based on electricity.

I believe that there should be systems which will prevent it from happening. One of these systems is the human brain. If a human being knows how to do simple things, he or she won’t be helpless when technology fails.

•

INDUSTRY 4.0

TOWARD ECONOMY 4.0 T

he 18th ICT and Infrastructure World Symposium took place at the Arche Hotel Krakowska in Warsaw April 3 - 4, 2019. The event was held in response to current transformations which offer new business opportunities and constitute the driving force for the economy. 493 representatives of the world of telecommunications, ICT, government administration and manufacturing, took part in the congress to learn about hot topics regarding economy 4.0. The congress was officially opened by Piotr Muszyński, Co-Chairman of the Programme Council, Founder & President of FixMap, on behalf of himself and the other two Co-Presidents Jacek Niewęgłowski, Senior Advisor, P4 and Przemysław Kurczewski, Supervisory Board Member, Emitel. A special guest who delivered a keynote speech was Emanuele Procaccioli, Communications, Media & Technology Managing Director, Accenture. The agenda included debates, presentations, speeches and summaries of case studies on topics which form the pillar of economy 4.0. The agenda of the symposium would not have been complete without a focus on 5G technology. The network is expected to revolutionise the digital world of business, was the conclusion of a debate chaired by Bogusław Chrabota, Editor-in-Chief of the "Rzeczpospolita" daily newspaper. How to fully use its potential? How to speed up the construction of this network in Poland? What are the main factors to pay attention to when implementing 5G solutions? All these questions were tackled during a discussion on the wireless revolution. Participants also had the opportunity to listen to presentations concerning the migration of business and administration to the cloud. The creation of infrastructure for economy 4.0 is a challenge which experts gave particular attention to. The Digital Poland Operational Programme is something without which it is difficult to approach the current transformation of the entire

18 polish market

economy. Building services on optical fibre technology is a solution which is set to strengthen the digital foundation of the country’s social and economic development.

Opinions on the Digital Poland Operational Programme and plans for the future were presented during a debate on this topic. A dynamic, inspiring feature of the symposium were short presentations which showcased new technologies and solutions such as AI and Automotive in view of the transformation of the economy to phase 4.0.

More general questions were also raised, such as: "Are we ready for transformation," which was the slogan of one of the panels.

Key speakers at the 18th ICT and Infrastructure World Symposium included: • Tonny Bao, Huawei • Paweł Borys, Polish Development Fund • Tomasz Grabowski, Accenture • Jash Bansidhar, Associate Vice President of Industrial IoT Europe, Advantech • Roman Młodkowski, Operator of the National Cloud • Wojciech Szajnar, Centrum Projektów Polska Cyfrowa • Dr. Daniel Kitscha, Investment in High Capacity Networks, DG Connect, European Commission • Marek Gawroński, Volvo Poland.

GOLDEN ANTENNAS GALA

At the end of the first day of the Symposium, the Golden Antennas Gala took place, during which awards were presented in the Golden Antenna contest.

The winners of the 2018 competition were: • Man of the Year - Jacek Niewęgłowski, Senior Advisor, P4. The award went to Jacek Niewęgłowski for many years of visionary activities in the development of the telecommunications industry.

INDUSTRY 4.0

From left: Leszek Piotrowski, Wiśniowski, Dariusz Działkowski, Cyfrowy Polsat, Jacek Niewęgłowski, P4 and Jacek Wiśniewski, Nexera

Paweł Borys, President of Polish Development Fund

• Innovator of the Year – NEXERA. NEXERA is a wholesale telecommunications operator which introduces an innovative model of operation in all aspects of business management and structure to the Polish market. The success of the NEXERA wholesale operator project, which has been built from scratch, is owed to the consistent implementation of all the aforementioned aspects as part of the strategy.

• Leader of Economy 4.0 – Wiśniowski for the successful implementation of product personalisation. Wiśniowski is a Polish manufacturer of gates, doors and fences. The company has implemented a robotic welding application which has enabled it to increase productivity several times and optimise the entire process of processing orders. The manufacturing plant located near the town of Nowy Sącz is one of a handful of Polish factories where processes enabling mass personalisation of products have been implemented. The production of gates, including control of robots, takes place automatically based on orders placed by clients.

Piotr Muszyński, Co-Chairman of the Programme Council, Founder & President of FixMap

• Corporate Social Responsibility - Cyfrowy Polsat. The Polsat Group has been conducting CSR activities for over 20 years in three key areas: safety, helping children and sports promotion. 2018 was unique for the Polsat Group in each of these areas. The Plus mobile network has worked in partnership with life guards and mountain rescuers for 15 years, among others by operating emergency phone numbers. The Polsat Foundation, which has been helping sick children for 22 years, provided more than PLN 230 million for statutory purposes, and over PLN 19 million for the

treatment and rehabilitation of kids during fifteen editions of the St. Nicholas charity advertising event. 2018 also marked the 20th anniversary of partnership between the Polsat Group’s Plus network and the Polish Volleyball Federation. This is the longest running sports sponsorship partnership in Poland, which has been helping Polish volleyball for 2 decades. During this time, Polish national men’s and women’s teams won as many as 43 medals at various events, including 20 gold medals.

•

Source: MMC Polska

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TRANSPORT

REGIONS

ANDRZEJ BITTEL, deputy Minister of Infrastructure

RAILWAYS OF

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

T

he strategic development of the Polish railways involves not only investment in infrastructure and rolling stock, but also a broad-range of measures aimed at improving safety and accessibility, and streamlining management. Such measures require a wider use of modern solutions and new technologies. If combined, they will make it possible for the Polish railways to operate in line with contemporary European and global standards.

The National Railway Programme is composed of over 220 investment projects worth around PLN70 billion in total to be carried out by 2023. The projects include the modernisation of around 9,000 kilometres of railway tracks. The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will be implemented on some 3,000 kilometres of them.

The system is to ensure the interoperability of rail transport, that is the ability of trains to travel freely between railway networks of individual countries (owners of infrastructure) without the need to stop at the border and change the locomotive or drivers.

The introduction of the system is designed to raise the attractiveness of rail transport and its share in all intra-European transport.

As part of investment projects financed under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020, support is provided for projects ensuring the implementation of ICT and rail traffic control systems. Funding is available for projects involving the purchase or modernisation of telematics and satellite systems (devices and software) for intermodal transport. They are carried out alongside other projects supporting the development of rail transport in Poland such as the construction, modernisation and rehabilitation of railway lines, modernisation of railway stations, and purchase or modernisation of rolling stock.

The Operational Programme Eastern Poland 2014-2020 also enables support for such projects as the modernisation of rail traffic control systems and passenger information systems, construction and modernisation of passenger service facilities, and investment in linear infrastructure and the electrification of selected lines.

In order to strengthen the role of the railways in the development of sustainable transport and make a transition to a low-emissions economy in all sectors, activities are pursued to develop intermodal transport. A rise in intermodal traffic with the use of rail transport has been noted in recent years. Attractive conditions and further investment in intermodal

transport in Poland will provide an additional encouragement for using this form of transport and will contribute to a further increase in the share of intermodal freight tonnage in the total tonnage of freight transported by rail.

A good example of digital technologies implemented in Poland is the Joint Ticket project launched in December last year. It enables passengers to pay for their whole travel by means of a single transaction, irrespective of the number of changes, type and number of carriers, and sales channel. Additionally, the tariff is degressive, which means that the price per kilometre falls as the distance to be travelled grows. At present, the service is available not only at ticket windows, but also online through Bilkom 2 for trains of selected carriers.

Strengthening the role of rail transport in the country’s integrated transport system is a strategic task and poses numerous challenges to the Polish railways, the most important of which are enhancing competitiveness and building a strong market position.

The range of high quality competitive services is being broadened thanks to the investment projects, and organisational and technological improvements. This is coupled with the improving interoperability of the Polish rail transport system and the EU system. • 4/2019 polish market

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TRANSPORT

HIGH GEAR

TRANSPORT MAŁGORZATA ZIELIŃSKA,

Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development

E

ven the longest path begins with a small step. For Poland, one such step on the way toward a modern transport network was European Union accession. Its 15th anniversary provides a good opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved.

The role of a country’s transport network is often compared to the role which the bloodstream plays in the human body. It is not an exaggeration. A well-developed transport network is one of the most important factors which boost the economic development of a country and its individual regions. They say that all roads lead to Rome, which basically means that you can reach a destination in various ways. But in a very physical way, it also means a cohesive road network built in the ancient Roman empire. It is long

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known that it pays to develop transport infrastructure. Suffice it to say that Poland carries out some grand projects in this field and that it has invested in it a vast proportion of funding negotiated in successive EU budgets. By the time the current EU budget period comes to an end, virtually all the most important road sections will have been completed. To give you an idea of where we used to be and where we are now, it is enough to compare, for example, the length of roads in 2004 and 2018. In 2004, Poland had 725 kilometres of expressways and motorways. By end-2018 their length increased to 3,730 km. In the past three years alone, nearly 730 kilometres of top-class roads have been commissioned.

Virtually all investment projects have been co-financed from European funds.

TRANSPORT

GREEN LIGHT FOR RAILWAYS

A lot is said about the fact that since Poland set out on the path of economic transformation in 1989, its railway network has shrunk rather than developed. According to estimates, about a third of railway lines have been closed in Poland since 1989. But it is also true that the popularity of rail travel has been steadily growing for several years now. The number of train passengers in Poland last year amounted to 310.3 million, nearly 7 million up on 2017 when 303.6 million passengers were carried. In 2016, the figure was 292.6 million. So there is a clear upward trend. The importance of transporting goods by rail is also growing. In January, the Office of Rail Transport reported that in 2018, railway carriers transported over 250 million tonnes of goods and commodities, 10 million tonnes more than in the previous year.

It marks an increase of 4.3% compared to 2017. Where do these results come from?

First of all, Poland is currently implementing the National Railway Programme, which is the largest in the history of investment programmes in rail transport. Over EUR 10 billion is available for railway development and modernisation in the 2014-2020 period from EU funding alone. In the years 2007-2013, about EUR 5 billion was used for this purpose. Even though there is still much to be done, the effects of completed investment projects are already visible.

The most noticeable change for passengers are the comfort of travel and shorter travel times between major cities using newly introduced high-speed trains. One should bear it in mind that it takes longer to complete railway investment projects, and it involves much more effort than road building. It is not easy to make a detour. But the final results make up for all the trouble.

Investments in the development of the railway network are always linked with the development of intermodal transport. This fact is also reflected in data released by the Office of Rail Transport. According to its statistics, in 2018 the volume of goods and commodities carried by intermodal transport increased by 15% year-on-year, while in 2017 it saw an increase of 13.6% compared with 2016 figures. The development of intermodal transport pays off in various ways.

It lowers the global cost of transport and ensures fast and timely delivery of cargo, especially in international transport. Poland is well aware of the advantages of intermodal transport, which is why its development has also been included as a strategic project in the government Strategy for Responsible Economic Development. It is worth noting that to support carriers and operators of intermodal terminals, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Economic Development drafted an assistance programme for the implementation of projects under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020, and negotiated it with the European Commission.

“

FIRST OF ALL, POLAND IS CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL RAILWAY PROGRAMME, WHICH IS THE LARGEST IN THE HISTORY OF INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES IN RAIL TRANSPORT."

FLYING HIGH

Transport is not just a well-developed network of roads and railway lines, it also means air traffic. The number of passengers travelling by air is growing. Polish airports served over 46 million passengers last year, almost 15% more than in 2017. In 2018, over 17.7 million fliers used Warsaw’s Chopin Airport. This marks an increase of almost 13%, or over 2 million more than in the previous year.

On the one hand, there is every reason to cheer, but on the other, it makes you think about solutions that would meet future challenges. One of such solution is the Solidarity Transport Hub Poland. The concept provides for the construction of an integrated air and rail hub. By 2030, it will take a maximum of two hours to reach the airport from most of Poland’s main urban centres. The development of the hub will allow freight and passenger transport to grow.

Carriers will certainly benefit from new opportunities offered by the project.

Poland has been able to negotiate the possibility of applying for support under the EU Connecting Europe Facility, to build railway sections within the network of links leading to the Solidarity Transport Hub. We are now implementing investment projects which are partly financed under the current EU financial plan. Decisions regarding the next EU budget are expected this year.

Poland is looking forward to them, because more projects have been proposed to develop the country’s transport network. Hopefully, they will be able to fill existing gaps not only in the Polish transport system but also in the European transport network.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

INTEGRATING

TRANSPORT Late last year, the Ministry of Infrastructure launched a public consultation on the draft Transport Development Strategy until 2030, along with an environmental impact forecast. The document marks an update on an earlier strategy until 2020 which was adopted by the former cabinet in 2013. One of the aims of the document is to adapt it to the needs of the overall Strategy for Responsible Development until 2020 (with an outlook until 2030) adopted in 2017.

I

n the draft Strategy, it is noted that: "The main aim of the national transport policy is to improve transport links, the efficiency of the transport sector and road safety through an integrated, sustainable, innovative and user-friendly transport system in the local, national, European and global dimensions. Due to the current state of the environment in Poland, it is necessary to focus on air quality, water and sewage management and nature protection. The general condition of the environment is good, except for poor air and water quality and shortcomings in waste management.

Actions are also needed to protect valuable areas, especially considering the

24 polish market

significant development of the road network in recent years and an increase in the pressure exerted by tourism, which contributes to the fragmentation of habitats and the spread of invasive species. " To achieve the main objectives of the Transport Development Strategy and to remove existing barriers, five objectives, specific to each of the transport branches, should be implemented: • creating a modern, integrated network of transport infrastructure, • improving the management of the transport system, • improving the safety of road users and cargo, • limiting the negative impact of transport on the environment,

• building a streamlined model of financing investments in infrastructure.

It is assumed in the strategy that by 2020, Poland will have built 2,000 km of motorways, 2,800 km of expressways and 350 km of railway lines allowing passenger trains to travel at a speed of 160 km/h. 41 million passengers are to be served by airports and 60 million tonnes of cargo are to be handled by seaports.

To achieve economic development, it is necessary to have a well-developed infrastructure. This is bound to contribute to Poland’s international competitiveness and attract direct investment both from home and abroad. The transport system must meet new challenges,

INDUSTRY 4.0 KGHM SA - PARTNER OF DEBATE

such as increasing the availability of services, reducing transport cost and time, taking into account energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Multimodality should also be developed.

As we read in the document, an analysis of processes which took place in the 20002017 period, shows that an integrated and well-functioning transport system compatible with the European and global system must be developed in Poland.

Many investment project in the field of transport development are not just capitalintensive but also time-consuming. It has thus been decided to push the time frame forward from 2020 to 2030. The Strategy for Sustainable Transport Development until 2030 provides for the implementation of 22 strategic projects covered in the existing plan, along new projects which are key for the development of the Polish transport system. What challenges does transport face?

According to the document, these are: to increase the density and cohesion of transport infrastructure networks of high standard, in relation to GDP growth and transport intensity.

ROAD NETWORK

Road infrastructure has recently undergone significant modernisation, even though there are those who say it is still not enough.

The total value of EU investment in this sector exceeded PLN 110 billion in the 20072013 period. As of end-2017, the combined length of motorways and expressways was 3,336.2 km - 1,637.3 km of the former and 1,808.9 km of the latter, out of over 19,000 km of national roads. These investment projects have ensured better transport links between the majority of Poland’s regional capitals. 13 out of the country’s 18 largest cities have an expressway or motorway link to another major urban area. This applies even to those which used to be harder to reach in the past. But the picture is far from rosy. According to the strategy, there is still a need for more funding for development and modernisation, especially in the east of Poland, where cities like Białystok, Lublin, Kielce and Olsztyn, are still largely outside the expressway and motorway network. The same holds true for some regions in the north, including central Pomerania.

The network of trunk accounts for just 4.7% of the public road network, yet it carries more than 60% of traffic. In addition, road transport has a dominant share in cargo transport (over 75%) and transport of people (passenger cars account for 75% of the total transport volume).

RAIL NETWORK

In 2017, the length of railway lines operated by all entities amounted to approximately 19,300 km, an increase of 77.3 km compared to 2016. The PKP PLK SA network length covered 18,513 km of operational lines and 2,129 km of lines where services have been discontinued.

In 2018, the rail network had a length of 17,000 km, 5.45 km per 100 sq. km. This is not much compared to Germany (9.2 km/100km2) and the Czech Republic (10.3 km/100 km2).

Between 1989 and 2015, 5,000 km of railway lines, one fifth of the network, were closed or dismantled. After 1989, the development of the national railway network nearly stopped, and the only new sections that were built were airport links and marshalling yard infrastructure. In the 2011-2017 period, the percentage of railway lines in good condition was increased from 36% to 55%.

Despite the noticeable improvement and modernisation, deficiencies in railway infrastructure still occur. There is a lot of work to do. Insufficient maximum load compared to current needs and low capacity of individual track sections, make it difficult to draw up efficient timetables. Poor technical condition of engineering structures and an insufficient number of road viaducts and tunnels, are just some of the problems to be resolved. Experts add to this the small number of crossings with sufficient safety systems and inadequate links with other means of transport such as roads and inland waterways. Some of these shortcomings significantly impair access to Polish seaports.

INLAND WATERWAYS AND SEAPORTS

In 2017 the length of the inland waterway network in Poland was 3,654 km, of which 2417 km were navigable rivers, 644 km – channelized rivers, 335 km - canals, and 259 km - navigable lakes. 3363 km (92.1%) of waterways were used by shipping. Unfortunately, this leaves a lot of room for improvement.

A number of navigable waterways is in poor condition. There are many stretches only shallow barges can use. There are too few international grade waterways, and infrastructure is very limited, including bridges which are too low. All this affects the competitiveness of Polish ports and shipping.

There are 12 ports of international importance along Poland’s Baltic coast. To fully exploit the potential of seaports, it is necessary to integrate road and rail infrastructure. The example of Gdańsk, which operates as a container hub, can be duplicated in other ports.

It is equipped to handle the largest ocean-going container ships operated by the world's

leading ship-owners, which link Asian and European ports.

AIRPORTS

In 2018, there was one international airport in Poland - the Fryderyk Chopin Airport in Warsaw, along with 14 regional airports serving regular passenger flights. Their condition varies, some of them perform better than others.

According to the Civil Aviation Office (ULC) register, in 2018, 61 civilian airports were listed (14 airports for public use, 6 airports with limited certification, 22 public use airports not subject to certification, 19 airports for restricted use), as well as 387 landing points (123 landing strips, 264 helipads, including 187 medical rescue helipads, 12 of them used as part of border crossing facilities).

In order to attract more interest to existing airports and make them more accessible, it is necessary to develop road and rail links.

The capacity of Polish airport terminals in 2016 amounted to 41 million passengers. Some 83% of that capacity was in use.

Polish authorities deem Warsaw’s Chopin airport insufficient as an international hub faced with the growing needs of the aviation market. According to Civil Aviation Office forecasts, in 2030 the number of passengers is expected to approach 79 million. That is why the Polish government has come up with the idea of building the Solidarity Transport Hub. As an intermodal hub, it will not only serve as Poland’s main international airport but it is also meant as a hub for the Central European region, as well as being Poland’s main mainline rail hub integrated with the road network.

INTERMODAL TRANSPORT

In 2017, Poland had 32 railway container terminals for intermodal transport, some of which were being expanded. Does this sound like a lot? There can always be more, although they are being steadily developed. The average is about one terminal per 10,000 sq. km.

Large intermodal terminals are located in the largest urban areas, seaports and on the border with Belarus. Insufficient intermodal transport and cargo handling facilities in ports could mean lower tax revenue for the national budget.

One of the main goals of the Transport Development Strategy, which is meant to boost Poland's competitiveness on the international arena, is to integrate the development of each mode of transport – rail, road, inland waterways and seaports, as well as intermodal transport. Poland still has a long way to go, but its position in Europe and the world depends on the results of the transport devel• opment strategy.

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CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

HYPERLOOP IS COMING They did it. A Polish hyperloop start-up has already raised more than 100% of the amount needed to build a hyperloop demonstrator scaled to one fifth of the size of the real thing. A vehicle travelling along a 48-metre-long track will be built using the PLN1 million or so collected through an equity crowdfunding campaign (www.seedrs.com/hyper-poland), which is still on. PRZEMYSŁAW PĄCZEK, president of Hyper Poland and one of its founders, tells Jerzy Mosoń why in the global race for the best fifth mode of transport the Polish hyperloop project has the biggest chance of being put quickly into practice.

that we offer, this will be possible even in Poland where there is less money for this kind of investment projects than in the richest countries. But our vision does not directly follow the path proposed by Musk whose concept is to start immediately with building special evacuated tubes on pillars or underground for train traffic. This is technologically feasible, of course, but building new routes would be too costly and would take a long time. We have a different proposal, which will cut this Gordian knot.

Have you found a happy medium, a shortcut, or perhaps we are going to save on labour costs again?

We have an idea and, importantly, a technology submitted for patent protection. The technology makes it possible to use existing infrastructure to build a Polish hyperloop with a speed of 300 kilometres per hour at first, then 600 kilometres to finally reach a transonic speed thanks to a vacuum created in a special tunnel.

PM

Is it feasible at all to build a hyperloop?

I am already 36 and have substantial experience in the real estate, financial and sales sectors. I would not waste time and money now if I did not believe that this project will be a success. But my view differs a bit from that of managers of American firms who have repeated for a long time that a new hyperloop mode of transport based on the idea of visionary and billionaire Elon Musk is just around the corner.

According to initial predictions, the first vehicles of this type were to come into operation as early as 2015. This turned out unrealistic because the proposed technologies and costs did not justify the development of the fifth mode of transport combining the features of air and road transport. Our calculations indicate that in 15-20 years, with the use of the technology PM

26 polish market

It is hard to believe that such a modern vehicle would be able to use the tracks with which our existing rolling stock has problems.

Obviously, we cannot use traditional rail infrastructure to get a hyperloop in its ultimate form. But we can develop a high-speed magnetic railway as an alternative, or complementary, system to the existing railway.

With our vehicle already in use, we can start PM

preparing new infrastructure and legal environment, and deal with environmental challenges so that the ultimate hyperloop, one closer to the idea of the fifth mode of transport, can be built in the future. Until then, we could have a relatively cheap and fast magnetic railway in Poland.

This still sounds like science fiction if we consider the cost and complexity of the Transrapid Shanghai project, even though it is a short line of only 30.5 kilometres.

We are almost two decades older and it is light-years in the case of science and technology. According to our concept, it is only necessary to slightly strengthen and modify existing railway routes. Everything is already in place: adequate embankments and reinforcements. We will put a linear motor in the middle and add magnetic tracks outside the conventional rails. The train will be equipped with neodymium magnets, which will produce a magnetic field thanks to which the train will be hovering above the tracks while moving ahead. There will be no friction, which causes huge energy losses. There will be no problem of load on tracks so reinforcing the tracks is not a big deal. It is more about IT and safety issues. We are on the eve of an agreement with a large American partner who can support us in this respect. If everything goes well we will soon be able to speak about the Polish hyperloop. Tests on a smaller model, which will be unveiled in the middle of the year, will be decisive.

• PM

POLAND

CHINA

REGIONS

POLISH-CHINESE ECONOMIC COOPERATION TRADE

In 2018, China occupied the second place on the list of Poland's top trading partners. It ranked second on the list of major exporters to Poland and 21st on the list of export destinations. After a period of slowdown in 2015, two-way trade has been growing steadily. Since 2017, Poland has also recorded a significant increase in exports to China. However, this does not offset rapidly growing imports from China. Among products and commodities exported to the People’s Republic of China in 2018, refined copper ranked the highest (USD 526.7 million - 21%), followed by automatic data processing machine parts, converters, non-wooden furniture components (USD 42 million), and driers with a capacity of up to 10 kg (USD35.5 million). The most important imports from China included TV camera parts, mobile phones, automatic data processing machine parts, video game consoles and devices, laptops and notebooks.

For Poland, particularly promising areas of cooperation with China in the field of exports are the agri-food sector, green technology sector, mining machinery industry, furniture and cosmetics industries, as well as creative sectors, including video games and design.

Polish companies increasingly enter the Chinese market by taking part in trade fairs there. 82 Polish companies representing various industries took part in the first edition of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November 2018. The Polish delegation was one of the largest foreign business delegations at the event (10% of all European companies). This sent a clear signal to the Chinese side that Polish entrepreneurs are genuinely interested in

the Chinese market. During the fair, a five-year framework agreement between KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and China Minmetals Corporations was signed for the supply of copper cathodes to China.

An office of the Polish Automotive Group and of the Automotive Industry Institute was opened in Shanghai, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Automotive Industry Institute and the Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification. In September 2019, Poland will enjoy the status of a partner country during the China - ASEAN EXPO trade fair in Nanning.

INVESTMENT

At the end of 2017, the cumulative value of China’s direct investment in Poland (including investment by companies based in Hong Kong and Macau), amounted to USD 570 million, according to the National Bank of Poland. According to other Polish and foreign sources, the figure may be closer to USD 1 billion. In turn, according to Chinese sources, Chinese enterprises have invested approximately USD 2.17 billion in Poland. Statistics Poland calculations show that at the end of 2017, there were 566 companies with the participation of Chinese capital operating in Poland, including 42 from Hong Kong, of which 101 employed ten or more people. There were 27 Chinese companies on the Polish market, including 13 from Hong Kong, whose investments exceeded USD 1 million. As of the end of 2017, Polish direct investment in China amounted to USD 84 million (including Hong Kong and Macau). Most Polish companies carry out manufacturing activities in China through a joint • venture with a Chinese partner.

Poland's trade with China in 2015-2018 (in million USD) 2015

2016

2017

2018

2017/2016 INCREASE

2018/2017 INCREASE

TURNOVER

24 842

25 919.6

29 540

33473.9

14%

13%

EXPORTS

2016.9

1912.2

2303.8

2501.4

20%

9%

IMPORTS

22 825.1

24 007.4

27 236.2

30 972.4

13%

14%

BALANCE

-20 808.2

-22 095.1

-24 932.4

-28 471

x

x

Source: Insigos – Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

"中国驻波兰大使刘光源与杰瑞 · 莫森先生的对话"。 H.E. Ambassador of China in Poland, LIU GUANGYUAN, talks to Jerzy Mosoń

寻找利益的契合点

LOOK FOR COMMON INTERESTS PM

今年是中波建立外交关系70周年，您对未来 几个月的中波关系发展抱有什么样的期待？

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Poland. What are your expectations for the bilateral ties in the coming months? 中波两国虽远隔万里，却是老朋友。两国一直 相互尊重、平等相待，许多中波友人积极投身中 波友好，在两国间搭建友谊之桥。正是基于这些 原因，70年来，两国历经国际风云变幻，保持关系 平稳发展，结下深厚传统友谊。 进入新世纪以来，中波各领域合作持续深化， 特别是2015年杜达总统和2016年习近平主席成功 互访后，中波关系提升为全面战略伙伴关系，两 国在贸易投资、互联互通、人文交往等多个合作 领域取得重要进展。 展望未来，中国始终怀着极大的诚意和期待 发展中波关系。中国进一步扩大开放的脚步不会

30 polish market

停止。希望我们双方都能以70年为一个新起点， 抓住机遇，承前启后，平等相待，携手并进，共同 打造长期稳定的全面战略伙伴关系。 Although geographically China and Poland are separated by thousands of miles, we are old friends. The relationship between our nations is based upon principles of mutual respect and equality. Many Chinese and Polish friends contributed to strengthening our relations and friendship. Thanks to their efforts our nations have maintained stable relations and built profound traditional friendship in the face of all the changes that swept through the world in the last 70 years.

Since the beginning of this century China-Poland cooperation in various areas has been deepening. After the exchange of visits

by Polish President Andrzej Duda in 2015 and

Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016 our relationship has been lifted to comprehensive strategic partnership level, achieving enormous progress in such areas as trade and investment, connectivity, as well as people-topeople and cultural exchanges.

Looking into the future, China will continue sincere efforts in further development of China-Poland relations. China will constantly increase the scope and pace of its opening up to the world. I hope that the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations will be a new starting point for both sides. We should take this opportunity to build on our past achievements and work together to build stable and longterm comprehensive strategic partnership in the future.

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

PM

最近几年中波关系中最大的挑战是什么？

What have been the most important challenges for China-Poland relations in recent years? 中波间不存在任何冲突和根本利益分歧。目前， 中波经贸合作规模相较于两国经济体量来说，还有 很大发展空间。两国应加强对接，找准利益契合点， 深挖合作潜力，共同开辟合作双赢之路。 此外，近年来中波社会对彼此的兴趣快速上升， 但两国民众的相互了解仍较为有限，部分波兰民众 希进一步提升对中国的认识。我们应通过更广泛的 人文交流，增进相互了解。 No conflict or divergence of interests exist between China and Poland. Presently, there is still considerable potential for the development of China-Poland economic and trade cooperation, especially when compared with the size of our economies. Both sides ought to enhance synergy between our development strategies, look for common interests, and explore the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Moreover, despite the fact that in recent years both our peoples have taken significant interest in each other, our mutual understanding is still limited. Many Polish friends do not know the whole picture about China. I believe that in order to improve mutual understanding we should increase people-to-people exchanges.

“一带一路”相关 ON THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE PM

“新 丝 绸 之 路”似乎 是 加强中东 欧国家 和中国 之 间 关 系的良 好 机 遇。您认 为， 波 兰 怎 样 能 成 为 这 一 项目的 领 先 者 ？

The New Silk Road project appears like a big chance to strengthen relations between the CEE region and China. What can Poland do to be a leader of this project? 中国提出的“一带一路”倡议，旨在传承发扬古 代丝绸之路精神，推动沿线各国发展战略对接，以 合作促繁荣。经过近6年的不懈努力， “一带一路”已 完成了夯基垒台、立柱架梁的阶段，转入落地生根、 开花结果的全面推进阶段，蕴含着重大合作机遇。 波兰作为连接欧亚市场的枢纽，经济体量为中 东欧国家之首，经济增长速度在欧盟国家中位居前 列，是“一带一路”重要沿线国家。2015年中波签署 关于共同推进“一带一路”建设的政府间谅解备忘 录。中国高度重视在“一带一路”和“16+1合作”框 架下与波兰加强对话与合作，期望波兰能够发挥自 身体量优势、区位优势和发展优势，不断推进“一 带一路”建设，做大做强“16+1合作”，促进中国与 中东欧国家整体关系得到更大发展。相信中波双 边合作也会在“一带一路”和“16+1合作”平台的 推动下进一步提质增效。 The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), drawing on the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, encourages strategic integration of countries along the Belt and Road, and aims to reach prosperity through cooperation. After nearly six

years of unremitting efforts, the preparatory works for the BRI have been completed, and it has entered the phase of stabilization and bearing fruits.

Poland, as a major hub linking Asian and European markets and the biggest economy among the CEE countries, is an important country along the Belt and Road. Back in 2015 China and Poland signed the MoU on Belt and Road cooperation. China attaches great importance to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with Poland under the framework of BRI and “16+1 Cooperation”. We hope that Poland will take advantages of her vast area, good location and development opportunities to continuously promote the construction of the BRI, strengthen the "16+1" mechanism in order to further develop China-CEEC relations. I believe that China-Poland bilateral cooperation will further improve under the advancement of the BRI and “16+1” platforms.

PM

参 与 “ 一 带 一 路 ”合 作 可 以 为 波 兰 带 来 怎 样 的 发 展 机 会 ？

What kind of development opportunities does BRI present to Poland? 近年来，在“一带一路”和“16+1合作”框架下， 中波两国在贸易投资、互联互通、人文交往等多个 合作领域取得重要进展。2018年中波双边贸易额达 245.8亿美元，同比增加15.3%。在波兰中资企业已增 至近70家，据不完全统计，投资总额达22.7亿美元。 多家中资银行在波设立分支机构，持续向波经济注 资达10亿美元。两国首都间每天都有直飞航班；20% 的中欧班列抵达或者通过波兰。革但斯克港也被中 远海运划为波罗的海的分拨中心，每周都有1.9万标 箱货轮往来于革港与远东地区。同时，两国签署了相 互承认高等教育文凭和学位协议。双向留学规模不 断扩大。中国来波兰的游客逐年增加，从2016的7万 到2017年的14万，2018年突破18万。两国文化交流活 动也日益丰富，地方合作方兴未艾。 相信在双方共同努力下，中波两国在“一带一 路”框架下一定能找到更多合作契合点，实现优势 互补，互利共赢。 For the last few years under the framework of BRI and “16+1 Cooperation” China-Poland cooperation has grown fast. In 2018, the bilateral trade volume between China and Poland reached US$24.58 billion, an increase of 15.3% year on year. There are nearly 70 Chinese enterprises in Poland, according to available statistical data, with total investment amounting to US$2.27 billion. Chinese banks have set up branches and have injected US$1 billion into the Polish economy. Our capitals are linked by daily direct flights. Poland is the final destination or a transit country for 20% of all China Railway Express freight trains. Moreover, the port of Gdansk has been designated as the distribution centre of the Baltic Sea by COSCO. Every week, 19,000 TEU freighter crosses the route between the Port of Gdansk and the Far East. Meanwhile, China-Poland agreement on

mutual recognition of diplomas and degrees of higher education has given new impetus to the development of student exchange. Also, the number of Chinese tourists in Poland has been growing steadily, from 70,000 in 2016, to 140,000 in 2017, and 180,000 in 2018. We have enriched our cultural exchange and deepened regional cooperation.

I am sure that under the framework of BRI our joint efforts will lead to more possibilities for cooperation, complementarity, and mutual benefits.

PM

能否请您介绍4月在北京举办的第二届“ 一 带 一路”国际合 作高 峰 论 坛 的 情况？

Could you please introduce the background of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum on International Cooperation held in Beijing in April? “一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛是“一带一路” 框架内最高规格的国际合作平台。本届高峰论坛的 主题是“共建‘一带一路’、开创美好未来”，由开幕 式、领导人圆桌峰会、高级别会议、专题分论坛、企 业家大会等系列活动组成。来自150多个国家和90 多个国际组织近5000名外宾出席本届高峰论坛。 习近平主席4月26日出席第二届“一带一路”国 际合作高峰论坛开幕式，发表题为《齐心开创共 建“一带一路”美好未来》的主旨演讲，强调共建“ 一带一路”为世界各国发展提供了新机遇，也为中 国开放发展开辟了新天地。面向未来，我们要秉持 共商共建共享原则，坚持开放、绿色、廉洁理念，努 力实现高标准、惠民生、可持续目标，推动共建“一 带一路”沿着高质量发展方向不断前进。习主席的 讲话引发国际社会的广泛关注和积极反响。 总体看，本届论坛有几个突出特点：一是方向明 确。本届高峰论坛主题是：共建“一带一路”、开创 美好未来。贯穿其中的主线就是推动共建“一带一 路”实现高质量发展，反映了共建“一带一路”国家 的普遍愿望。 二是基础扎实。 “一带一路”倡议提 出6年来成绩斐然。中国同共建“一带一路”国家贸 易总额超过6万亿美元、投资超过800多亿美元，中 国同沿线国家共建的82个境外合作园区为当地创造 近30万个就业岗位。这些成果为第二届高峰论坛带 来坚实的基础。三是安排务实。在首届高峰论坛基 础上，分论坛增加了廉洁丝绸之路、数字丝绸之路、 绿色之路、创新之路、地方合作、境外经贸合作区 为主题的分论坛，聚焦务实合作。此外，本届高峰 论坛还将首次举办企业家大会，为各国工商界对 接合作搭建平台。四是成果丰硕。本次论坛期间各 方达成一系列成果，既有政府间合作协议，也有各 国企业和金融机构开展的大量投资类、融资类务 实合作项目。 我们深信通过第二届高峰论坛，各方将一道总 结经验、规划未来、凝聚共识，切实推动“一带一 路”国际合作迈向更高质量发展！ The Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) is the highest-tier platform for the international cooperation under the “Belt and Road” framework. “Belt and Road Cooperation, Shaping a Brighter Shared Future” was the main theme of this Forum, which consisted of opening ceremony, country leaders’ round table summit, high-level 4/2019 polish market

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION meetings, specialized sub-forums, and the entrepreneurs’ conference. Nearly 5000 foreign guests from more than 150 countries and 90 international organizations attended this event.

On April 26, President Xi Jinping in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second BRF emphasized that the joint construction of the BRI has brought new opportunities for the development of all countries in the world and unlocked a whole new realm for China's open development. President Xi underlined that to advance the BRI in the direction of high-quality development we should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, adhere to the open, green and clean approach and strive to achieve high-standard, livelihood-improving and sustainable development. President Xi’s speech was met with great interest and positive response from the international community.

This Forum is significant in 4 aspects. First – clear direction. The main message of the Forum is the promotion of the joint construction of the BRI for high-quality development and providing an answer to aspirations of countries participating in this initiative.

Second – solid foundation. For the last six years, since the BRI was put forward, its achievements have been remarkable. China and other BRI countries’ total trade volume amounted to over US$6 trillion, investments exceeded US$80 billion, and 82 overseas cooperation zones created nearly 300,000 jobs for local workers.

Third – practical arrangement. This Forum is divided into varioius sub-forums, which focus on practical cooperation such as: Clean BRI, Digital BRI, Green BRI, Innovation, local cooperation, and oversea economic and trade cooperation zones. For the first time the Forum set up the Entrepreneur Conference which is to serve as a platform for cooperation and integration of business circles of all countries.

Fourth – tangible results. The Forum achieved rich outcome, including a series of intergovernmental cooperation agreements, as well as a large number of investment and financing practical cooperation projects carried out by enterprises and financial institutions of various countries.

We believe that this Forum provides all parties a good platform to summarize past experiences, discuss future plans, build on consensus, and effectively advance the international cooperation under the BRI towards high-quality development.

PM

据 报 道 ，中国 航 空 集 团公司与空 客 签了 300架客机的购买合同。这对法国或者其 他西欧国家来讲是个可观的数目，中国能 够跟中东欧国家签署类似的购买合同？

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The latest news from the market is that China Aviation Supplies Holding has ordered 290 airplanes from Airbus. This is a huge and important contract, especially for France but also other Western European countries. Can we expect such a big purchase or contract for companies from our region? 中国的市场是开放的，中国年社会消费品零售总 额超过5万亿美元，年进口额2万亿美元，包括波兰 企业在内的各国企业都可以在中国获得商机。在去 年举办的首届中国国际进口博览会上，80多家波兰 企业参展，是中东欧地区参展企业数量最多的，企 业对参展效果也非常满意。进口博览会每年都将举 行，我们鼓励更多波兰企业积极参与，欢迎更多优 质产品进入中国市场。 波兰企业以中小规模为主，多以欧盟为出口市 场，对欧盟外市场可能不够熟悉。我们建议波兰政 府、贸易促进机构和行业组织发挥更加积极的作用， 为中波企业交流提供更多渠道。相信随着波兰企业 市场开拓力度的不断加强，波兰产品在中国市场的 知名度将逐步提升，更多波兰产品将走进中国市场。 The Chinese market is an open one. The annual value of total retail sales of consumer goods exceeds US$5 trillion and the total value of imports amounts to approximately US$2 billion. Companies from Poland and other countries all over the world will certainly find many business opportunities in China.

More than 80 Polish companies (the highest number from CEE countries) took part in last year’s First China International Import Expo (CIIE) getting satisfying results. As the CIIE is to be held every year we encourage more Polish companies to join in and introduce more high-quality products to the Chinese market.

Polish small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of Polish economy, are mostly focused on the European market so they may not be very familiar with the nonEuropean business environment. I would suggest the Polish government, trade promotion agencies and industry organizations should play a much more active role and create new channels of communication for Chinese and Polish businesses. I believe that with the Polish enterprises’ market development efforts, Polish brands will be better recognized by Chinese consumers and more Polish goods will enter China’s market.

PM

在 波 兰 进 行 投 资 的 中 国 企 业 都 是 什 么 样 的 企 业 ？

What kind of Chinese companies are investing in Poland? 据不完全统计，中国企业对波兰投资已达22.7亿 美元，投资领域不断扩大，机械制造、食品加工、交 通运输、信息通讯等传统领域合作续有进展，新技术 研发、锂电池、新能源等领域的绿地投资方兴未艾。 中国投资者在波兰依法合规经营，促进波兰就 业，支持波兰可持续发展，推动产业升级，积极履 行社会责任，在实现企业自身发展的同时，为波兰 经济社会发展做出了重要贡献。

According to available statistical data, the total value of Chinese investments in Poland has reached US$2.27 billion. It is worth noting that the investment field continues to expand, and apart from traditional sectors which continue to thrive, such as machinery manufacturing, food processing, transportation and information and communications technology, also on the rise are new areas, such as high-tech R&D, lithium batteries production, greenfield investments in new technology and new energy sources.

Chinese investors manage their business in full accordance with the Polish law, create new jobs, support sustainable growth and the industrial upgrading of Polish companies, fulfill their social responsibilities, not only realizing their own development goal but also contributing greatly to local economy and society.

PM

有些 波 兰 投 资商 将 在中国生 产的高 科 技 产 品 进口到 欧 洲 。您 知 不 知（在华 投 资的）波 兰 企 业 还 有其他的经营模 式？

Some Polish businessmen produce high-tech products in China and then import them under their own brands to Europe. Do you already see Polish businesses which do more? 据中国商务部统计，截至2018年底，波兰对中国 累计投资2.2亿美元，主要集中在工业生产领域。中 国是全球最具吸引力的投资热土，我期待更多波兰 企业到中国投资兴业。 According to statistical data by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, by the end of 2018 Polish companies invested in China US$220 million, most of which focuses in the industrial sector. China is a unique place that keeps attracting foreign investors, so I welcome more Polish companies to do business in China.

PM

5G网络技术是经济发展的基础。您认为，中 国的企业如何能帮助波兰研发这种技术？ 我们 双方 如何能 打 破 阻碍，增 进 合 作？

The Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology is necessary for the economy to grow. How can Chinese know-how help to develop this technology in Poland? How can we break some barriers to our cooperation?

5G技术有助于大幅提升相关行业生产效率，进 一步活跃社会经济发展。中国建设了完善的电信网 络，有机会开展更超前的应用和研究，也有掌握先 进技术的电信企业，比如华为公司。据我了解，华 为在一些国家设立了研究5G商业应用的联合创新 实验室，为当地企业提供了研究平台，这对于繁荣 5G生态、提前做好市场准备是非常有价值的。我相 信，只要遵守自由竞争的市场原则，为中国企业提供 公平、公正、非歧视的营商环境，在5G技术方面，中 国企业与波兰将有很多合作机会。 5G technology is vital for raising productivity in the industrial sector as well as promoting social development and economic growth. China has already set up a complex

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION telecommunications network, currently engages in the most advanced R&D and has produced leading telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics. As far as I know, in some countries Huawei has already established Joint Innovation Centers in order to better explore the commercial use of 5G technology. They provide research platforms for local enterprises, preparing markets for this technology and creating necessary conditions for future development of the entire 5G environment. I believe that as long as we adhere to the principles of free competition, create a just, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment for the Chinese companies, the enterprises from both our countries can effectively cooperate in the 5G realm.

For Poland and China there are many new possibilities for cooperation in the field of environment protection. The technology of wastewater treatment, waste management, and remediation of contaminated sites in Poland is advanced. On the other hand China has vast experience in the fields of renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances and green construction. At the technical and corporate level our countries pragmatic cooperation can be even closer and wider, for example, in the development of geothermal energy resources and joint research on clean energy technologies.

PM

What do you think about promoting cooperation in culture and education between Poland and China? How many students come from China to Poland on exchange programs?

其他领域合作 OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION PM

中国是世 界大 国，波 兰 是中东 欧 地 区的 最 重 要 的国 家 之一，两 国 正 在 研发 环 保 技术和寻找新的绿色发展模式。您认为， 生态环境领域的中欧合作的情况如何？ 双 方 能 共 同 执 行 什 么 样 的 合 作 项 目？

China is a big power in the world, Poland is an important player in the CEE region – we both have a similar challenge of making our industries “greener”. What does China do for ecology in collaboration with European partners? What kind of projects can we carry out together? 生态环境领域合作是中欧全面战略伙伴关系 中的重要内容，双方签署了一系列重要合作文件。 去年12月，COP24大会在卡托维茨举行，中方积极 参与并全力支持波兰发挥主席国作用。今年4月的 《第二十一次中国—欧盟领导人会晤联合声明》 再次强调中欧双方将进一步在应对气候变化和清 洁能源等领域加强合作。 中波两国在生态环境领域也面临新的合作机 遇。波兰在污水净化、废物回收管理、污染场地修 复等方面有技术优势，中国在可再生能源、电动汽 车、节能家电和绿色建筑等领域积累了先进经验。 双方可在技术和企业层面开展更密切、更广泛的 务实合作。比如，在地热能资源开发，清洁能源技 术联合研究等方面，双方都有很好的合作机会。 Cooperation in the field of environment protection is an important part of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership with a series of important documents on cooperation signed. Last year in December China actively participated in and fully supported Poland's role as chairman of the COP24 conference organized in Katowice. In April this year Joint Statement of the 21st EU-China summit reaffirmed the resolve of the two sides to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of addressing climate change and clean energy.

您如 何 看 待中 波 文化 和 教育领 域 的 合 作 情况？在 波 兰有多 少中国的留学生？

近年来，中波人文交流日益活跃。目前在波中 国留学生约有1500人，在中国的波兰留学生超过 2100人。中国教授波兰语的高校达到14所，同时， 已有5所孔子学院、2所孔子课堂落户波兰。今年， 华沙理工大学孔子学院和西里西亚大学等三所高 校孔子课堂也即将揭牌。26所中波高校建立的“一 带一路”中波大学联盟也为两国国际化人才培养、 科研协同创新和人文交流搭建了崭新平台。此外， 两国文化交流活动的数量也逐年攀升，形式和内容 不断丰富。相信文化和教育领域交流合作的不断深 化将能促进两国人民相互了解，增进民心相通，为 各领域合作增添助力。 In recent years, China-Poland people-topeople exchanges have become increasingly intense. About 1,500 Chinese students currently study in Poland and more than 2,100 Polish students learn in China. There are 14 colleges and universities that teach Polish in China. At the same time, there are 5 Confucius Institutes and 2 Confucius Classrooms in Poland with three more Confucius Classrooms – at the Warsaw University of Technology and University of Silesia and etc. – to be opened this year. Moreover, 26 universities from our countries have established the “Belt and Road” China-Poland University Alliance – a new platform for international talent development, sci-tech collaborative innovation and people-to-people exchanges. In addition, we observe stable growth in the number of cultural exchange events with their form and content being continuously enriched. I am convinced that with the deepening of our efforts in the fields of culture and education the mutual understanding and the communication between our peoples will grow, giving much support to our cooperation in various fields.

PM

很多波兰人经常去中国旅游并已经感受到了中 国的无穷魅力，但我们也希望看到更过中国游

客来波兰。您认为，怎么能让更多中国游客来波 兰旅游？您会推荐他们应该访问哪些地方？另 一方面，有哪些中国景点值得波兰游客到访？

We Poles have already discovered China as a tourist region and we often visit this beautiful country but we still would love to see more tourists from China in here. Do you see any possibilities to support this direction of traveling? What places in Poland would you recommend to Chinese people? What should we see in China? 近年来，来波中国游客不断增加，我们使馆门 前经常可见中国游客拍照留念。华沙、克拉科夫、 革但斯克、弗罗茨瓦夫等主要旅游城市都有中国 游客的足迹，此外历史名城波兹南、哥白尼故乡 托伦、滑雪胜地扎科帕内等也都值得游览。相信 随着双边关系的稳定发展，两国人员往来将越来 越密切。波兰的旅游业者和相关管理部门也可不 断提升服务质量，以更安全、更便利的旅游环境 吸引更多中国游客。 中国灿烂悠久的历史文明、丰富多样的自然人 文景观和日新月异的发展面貌也吸引着越来越多 的波兰游客，值得游览的地方不胜枚举。北京、上 海的都市繁华和苏杭、大理的古镇清幽、桂林的秀 美山川和呼伦贝尔的辽阔草原、海南岛的阳光沙滩 和哈尔滨的冰雪世界，西安的文明沉淀和深圳的创 新活力，这些都展现了中国的不同侧面。我们真诚 地欢迎波兰民众多去中国走走看看，更近距离地感 受中国，了解中国。 For the last few years the number of Chinese tourists in Poland has been steadily growing. I often see groups of Chinese sightseers taking in front of the Embassy. There are many of them in touristic cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, but there are also other historic sites worth seeing, for example Poznan, the Copernicus’ city Torun, or the ski resort Zakopane. With the stable development of our bilateral relations, exchanges between our peoples will become more frequent. Polish tour operators and related management departments, with continuous improvement of their services, creation of even safer and more convenient tourism environment, will be able to attract more Chinese tourists.

China's old civilization, rich and diverse natural and cultural landscapes as well as rapid changes attract more and more Polish tourists. There are countless places to visit, each showing different aspects of China: urban bustling in Beijing and Shanghai, the tranquility of ancient towns of Suzhou, Hangzhou and Dali, beautiful mountains and rivers of Guilin, vast grasslands surrounding Hulin Buir, sunny beaches on Hainan Island, an ice and snow world in Harbin, foundations of Chinese civilization in Xi'an and Shenzhen's innovative vitality. We will be happy to welcome guests from Poland to visit China, and see China through their • own eyes.

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

CHINA IS THE BIGGEST T R A D E PA RT N E R O F POLAND IN ASIA WOJCIECH ZAJĄCZKOWSKI, Polish Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People's Republic of China

S

even decades after the establishment of diplomatic relations Poland and China keep on remaining mature and friendly partners. Over the last few years it was reflected in high level visits paid respectively by leaders of both countries - by President Andrzej Duda to China in November 2015, by President Xi Jinping to Poland in June 2016 and by Prime Minister Beata Szydło to China in May 2017. It is also worth emphasizing that Poland became the first European country that issued RMB denominated sovereign bonds and the only Central European founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. All that laid solid foundation for the development of bilateral co-operation in all spheres and led us to upgrading our relations to the rank of comprehensive strategic partnership.

Today China is the biggest trade partner of Poland in Asia while Poland remains China’s biggest

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trade partner in Central and Eastern Europe. First steps were made in investment co-operation. With the advancement and the expected outcome of the EU – China dialogue on economic relationship based on openness, fair competition, level playing field, transparency and mutual benefits, as it was reiterated during last EU – China summit on April 9, 2019, we can expect even more positive developments. There is a great potential for cooperation in the transport sector, which should be based on synergies between The EU Strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia and the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. We deeply believe that in result Polish and Chinese societies as well as markets of both countries can get closer to each other.

During the last twenty years the attention of Polish business was focused mainly on European countries, today it is time for initiatives aiming at bringing high quality Polish products to Asian markets, and to the Chinese market in particular. We hope that soon Chinese consumers will

become aware of the wide array of outstanding products our country has to offer. These include Polish food, widely known for its unmatched taste and strict adherence to safety standards, cosmetics and medicines manufactured with equal commitment to quality and safety. Poland is also a major exporter of furniture, which combines unique design with attention to detail. We would like to expand our export of other products, such as machinery for the mining sector, environmental technologies, chemical and pharmaceutical products, medical devices, just to mention a few examples.

International trade and investment became important drivers of economic growth for our two countries. These two factors heavily contributed to outstanding results that Polish and Chinese economies achieved during the last decades.

Today we can show that we can achieve similar results while working together. We look at future Polish-Chinese relationship with hope for enhanced cooperation to meet these expectations.

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

CHINESE I N V E S TO R S

ZO O M I N ON POLAND

ANDRZEJ JUCHNIEWICZ, head of the Foreign Trade Office in Shanghai operated by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), talks to "Polish Market" about Polish-Chinese relations.

This year, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and the People's Republic of China. Does it have a positive impact on relations between the two countries? Does the Chinese side attach importance to this?

Of course, it does. Celebrating means showing mutual respect and the willingness to continue co-operation. Poland was, in fact, one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China seven decades ago. Over the past 70 years, the two countries have experienced many political, economic and cultural changes, and - despite challenges – they maintain good co-operation. It bodes well for the future of Polish-Chinese relations. Poland and China have established, and are ready to maintain, strong and stable bilateral co-operation. Currently, our relations are developing much more vigorously, in view of the New Silk Road initiative and the 16 + 1 co-operation format. In 2015, Polish President Andrzej Duda visited China, in 2016 President Xi Jinping visited Poland. As a result of this exchange of visits, diplomatic relations between the two PM

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION countries have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Last year, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency opened an office in Chengdu, the main economic and logistics centre in western China and an important hub on the New Silk Road. Europe is becoming a key partner for China. Is Poland, too? Is it just a transit country or a target country for Chinese investment?

Poland’s convenient location in the centre of Europe, at the crossroads of the main transport routes, makes it possible to export goods from Poland to all European countries and reach a wider group of consumers. This, of course, does not mean that we are just a transit country and a gateway to the EU. This role is a thing of the past. China now views us as an important economic partner with a large investment potential. In 2018, Poland moved up to the 17th position on a Chinese investment target list published in the Knight Frank Group report "New Frontiers." For the purposes of this report, Knight Frank experts came up with the “Belt and Road Index” (BARI,) to assess the potential of 67 countries considered crucial for Chinese investment. Poland’s high position is primarily determined by the efficiency of its institutions, which allows investors to invest capital more easily, its openness for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the rapid development of its infrastructure. The investment activity of global players, coming from various parts of the world, is also a measure of Poland's attractiveness for the Chinese side. China carefully watches who invests in Poland, so it has noticed that in the past few years, key business processes of several world banking giants have been transferred to Poland. Examples like this show that Poland is a country worth investing in. Thus, more and more Chinese entrepreneurs decide to be present in the country.

PM

PM

Foreign Trade Offices are the first point of

contact for companies, also regarding foreign investment projects in Poland. According to the National Bank of Poland, in 2017 companies with the involvement of Chinese capital invested a sum of USD 51 million in Poland. This country has also become an important investment location for Chinese companies. What areas are of particular interest to a potential Chinese investor?

Recognising our potential translates into investment projects. Currently, nearly 70 enterprises with Chinese capital operate in Poland, and the total value of Chinese investment in Poland in 2018 amounted to approximately USD 2.27 billion. We also observe a growing interest of Chinese investors in this country. The Polish Investment and Trade Agency has noticed

a clear trend. Chinese partners are interested in high-tech industries in which they could benefit from a transfer of intellectual property.

That is why they transfer more and more advanced manufacturing and business processes to Poland, for example, combining research and development activities with manufacturing. Chinese companies mainly focus on the electronics industry, and a good case in point is the investment project by TCL Corporate. The company picked Poland because it wants to work with Polish scientists on artificial intelligence and to improve its offering. This trend is also visible in Polish operations by Nuctech, the Chinese manufacturer of scanning devices which are used, among others, at airports.

It has opened a manufacturing plant cum R&D centre in Poland. A similar trend can be seen in the electromobility segment of automotive investment projects. In 2018, Guotai Huarong, one of the largest suppliers of battery components for electric cars, announced it will be launching a factory in Oława in Lower Silesia in 2020. The Chinese are also willing to invest in other sectors, namely the chemical, automotive, pulp and paper and home appliance industries. Significantly, among them are greenfield investment projects, based on building a business from scratch. We expect an increase in the interest in Poland by Chinese investors.

In 2018, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency completed work on three investment projects from China with a total value of EUR 54.9 million. Among them there are two electromobility projects and one R&D project.

China is betting on the development of its own technologies with the Made in China 2025 programme. The idea is to promote the fact that the product is made in China from the beginning to the end, based on its own technologies. Could innovative Chinese products squeeze Polish competitors out of the market or do you reckon that Polish companies can work in cooperation with Chinese partners?

The development of economic relations between Poland and China is an opportunity for both sides, which both countries should make the most of. Poland's involvement in the New Silk Road initiative and its activities within the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, of which it is a founding member, are conducive for joint ventures and the joint development of technologies.

PM

So far, Polish entrepreneurs have complained that Poland, its culture and products are hardly recognised in the Chinese market. Are things changing for the better?

There is definitely a big change. Especially Poland's presence at the China International PM

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POLAND’S CONVENIENT LOCATION IN THE CENTRE OF EUROPE, AT THE CROSSROADS OF THE MAIN TRANSPORT ROUTES, MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO EXPORT GOODS FROM POLAND TO ALL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND REACH A WIDER GROUP OF CONSUMERS."

Import Expo, which was held on the initiative of Xi Jinping, was of great importance for Poland’s image in China. Business delegations from 80 Polish companies took part in the event. The Polish exhibition space was definitely one of the largest among all European Union countries. We organised as many as six individual stands and a national stand with a total of 1000m2 of exhibition space. Since Expo 2010 Shanghai, it was the largest and the most prestigious event which contributed to the promotion of Polish companies and products. It was a great opportunity for Polish companies, because as Chinese society becomes more affluent, consumers are increasingly willingly to look for imported products: high-quality food, cosmetics and luxury products which local producers are unable to deliver. Poland is a country which is able to provide such products. Polish producers and exporters are already capitalising on the image success of this undertaking. Several companies have entered the Chinese market in the wake of their presentations at the fair in November 2018. The potential for Polish companies is growing. That's why we have decided to open the second office of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in China, in Chengdu. The strategic decision to place the office on the New Silk Road shows how important the role of Polish-Chinese relations and of Poland, is in this undertaking.

A rail cargo link from the central Polish city of Łódź to Chengdu was opened in 2015. The new office will allow Polish entrepreneurs to contact China more easily. Thanks to it, they can find business partners, distributors and introduce local Polish products to the Chinese market in a much easier way.

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S T R AT E G I C A L LY POISED ON THE N E W S I L K ROA D Rail transport between Poland and China has been growing dynamically for several years now. The New Silk Road is gaining in importance as the shortest overland route connecting China with the European Union.

P

oland is an important place on the New Silk Road map, not just as a transit country, although naturally most of the trains transit Poland on their way to other Western countries. That is why the Terespol to Kunowice line is one of the busiest lines for container trains. In 2018, the number of cargo shipments more than doubled to 360 shipments each month on average. Thus, the role of the Małaszewicze transshipment terminal, which for China is a gateway to the European Union, grows on this rail line, thus increasing the importance of PKP Cargo Centrum Logistyczne Małaszewicze.

The first trains from China to the EU rolled down the New Silk Road in 2013. At the time, the Małaszewicze terminal handled single trains carrying containers - on average there was just one train a week. But by 2018, the number of such trains increased to 25 per week. This accounts for 98% of all container shipments passing through Małaszewicze and about 30-40% of all freight trains that are served by the terminal. Although the terminal's transshipment capacity is not yet fully utilised, it is possible to increase the number of trains arriving from China by

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a dozen or so a week, and PKP Cargo is implementing an investment programme which will increase the capacity of the Małaszewicze terminal in the next few years. Jacek Rutkowski, President of PKP Cargo CL Małaszewicze, says that the Chinese side welcomes these expansion plans. “For them, cooperation with PKP Cargo is of great importance, because Małaszewicze lies on the most convenient railway line from China, and you can thus send trains to every corner of Europe,” says Jacek Rutkowski.

TRANSIT THROUGH POLAND

Czesław Warsewicz, President of PKP Cargo, points out that Małaszewicze has become "a window to the EU" for China. “The role of this place is set to grow, but Poland can use its strategic location on the New Silk Road in other ways. It can develop domestic and international rail connections using other terminals as well. The West sees our potential and wants to cooperate with us. An example of recent activities is a letter of intent which PKP Cargo has signed with Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport), the operator of the world's largest

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

“ river port in Duisburg in Germany. It is true that Polish containers have been transported to Duisburg for a long time, but both sides intend to step up these transports along the following routes: Małaszewicze to Duisburg, Poznań to Duisburg, Geniusze to Duisburg and Gliwice / Wrocław to Riesa / Duisburg, so that trains run faster and more frequently, thus competing with road transport head on.

Of course, it is about transport in both directions, also from Germany to Poland and further to China.”

Poland and Germany are aware that there will be more and more trains travelling between China and Europe in the future, as that the New Silk Road is perceived as an increasingly attractive route. This is mainly because cargo is in transit there for 11-14 days by rail, while sea transport often takes 50-60 days. Of course, sea transport is still likely to dominate the transport structure, but the rail link has huge potential for growth. “Just 0.6% of all cargo on the China-EU route is transported by train, half of what is carried by plane, which shows that rail carriers have a large untapped potential,” says Czesław Warsewicz. “We are constantly improving the efficiency and quality of our services, and thus we are increasing the competitiveness of PKP Cargo on the market. We are a large enough company, so we can set ambitious expansion goals. We believe that by 2023 we will be the leaders on the EU stretch of the New Silk Road, and in the Three Seas area,” adds President Warsewicz.

Rail transport does not just mean transit. Freight trains also carry more and more goods from China for Polish customers, and the other way round. This is because Polish Chinese trade is growing. In 2017, it reached the value of over USD 21 billion, which was 20% higher than in 2016. At the same time,

OUR AMBITION IS TO PLAY THE ROLE OF THE MAIN LOGISTICS CENTRE IN THE EU, WHICH WILL BENEFIT NOT ONLY PKP CARGO, BUT ALSO THE ENTIRE POLISH ECONOMY"

imports increased by 18% to reach some USD 18 billion, and exports reached USD 3.3 billion, up 33% on 2016 figures. The development of ecommerce, and the growing number of postal shipments, should also benefit the railway.

WHY IS THE POLISH ROUTE SO ATTRACTIVE?

China is interested in increasing the transport of goods and commodities to the European Union. Since the shortest rail route leads through Małaszewicze, Chinese partners count on expanding cooperation with PKP Cargo S.A. One example was the signing of a memorandum with PKP Cargo by the authorities of the Chinese city of Zhengzhou in 2018. Zhengzhou is the starting point of the New Silk Road, from where trains travel across Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus to reach Poland, and further on to other EU countries.

“Our ambition is to play the role of the main logistics centre in the EU, which will benefit not only PKP Cargo, but also the entire Polish economy,” says President Czesław Warsewicz.

China appears very happy for Poland to play this role, because it intends to dispatch more and more goods and commodities in containers to the EU and import goods from Europe in the same way. By 2030, the number of trains travelling down the New Silk Road in both directions is expected to increase several times, to 10,000 a year. And a huge part of this stream is to pass through Małaszewicze and other Polish terminals, which need to be expanded and new ones need to be built. For this purpose, a new company PKP Cargo Terminale was established, whose aim is to take advantage of the boom in international intermodal transport. Thanks to the economies of scale and synergy (the PKP Cargo Group has over 25 terminals, the new company is set to

boost Poland's role on the land part of the New Silk Road even further. “This is an example of integration activities within the PKP Cargo Group which are aimed to improve the management and the use of resources, but above all to give clients a better offer,” says Czesław Warsewicz.

But how well prepared is Poland to face the competition of other countries eager to capitalise on the growing rail traffic down the New Silk Road? Radosław Pyffel, a PKP Cargo Board plenipotentiary for Eastern markets, is not fazed by this prospect. According to him, China perceives Poland better than the West, and it is very pragmatic concerning transport issues. “Poland lies at the intersection of international transport routes. For China Małaszewicze is important, because it is the shortest route from China to the EU and it will be difficult to come up with a better alternative,” explains Radosław Pyffel. He points out that Poland's role on the New Silk Road must be seen in a longer perspective, the way that politicians and entrepreneurs from China do.

“It has a long-term outlook spanning decades, it is not discouraged by minor failures. Poland and Central Europe, will continue to be a transit route for trains linking the Far East with Europe,” says Radosław Pyffel.

What is more, PKP Cargo does not wait with its arms folded. The company wants to handle more and more intermodal cargo travelling between China and Poland, which is why it has started to specialise in the role of a logistics operator able to provide clients with comprehensive services, such as doorto-door shipments. “The provision of logistical services will give us greater added value. We have the potential to meet this goal,” emphasizes Czesław Warsewicz, President of PKP Cargo.

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TO P RO M OT E C O O P E R AT I O N BETWEEN CHINA AND POLAND

推动中波经贸合作 LIU HONGXING, President of SinoCham 刘红星：波兰中国总商会会长 中国投 资 者在 波 兰面 临怎 样的 挑 战，与 在其他欧洲国家面临的挑战有什么不同？ What challenges do Chinese investors have to face in Poland and in what ways do these challenges differ from those encountered in other European countries? 从自身来看，中国投资者在波兰面对的主要挑 战是对波兰的市场环境、竞争形势、法律法规、环 境保护、商业惯例缺乏深度了解，在市场资格准 入、项目评估、尽职调查、投资决策等方面还缺乏 有效途径和依托，因此还需要在投资前期做大量 的分析研究工作。 从外部环境看，近几年波兰中高端人力向西 欧国家流动趋势明显，在研发、设计以及先进装 备制造领域等领域高端人才紧张，特别是具有跨 国教育或工作背景、能够满足中资机构需求的人 才十分紧缺。 另外，与部分周边国家相比，波兰在为他国人 员办理签证、居留手续上时间较长，中国有句老 话， “安居才能乐业，在此也希望波兰政府能够 对前来投资工作的人员在居留手续、医疗、教育 等方面提供更多的便利性政策，尽量消除驻波人 员的后顾之忧。 PM

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

From their perspective, the main challenge for Chinese investors in Poland is the lack of in-depth understanding of the Polish market environment, competition situation, laws and regulations, environmental protection requirements, business practices. Additionally, they lack efficient ways and means to access the local market, evaluate projects, conduct due diligence and invest.

Therefore they have to do tons of analysis in the early stage.

As for the external environment, middle and high-end human resources appear to move to the Western European countries evidently. High-end talents are in short supply among the fields of R&D, design and advanced equipment manufacturing. Those who can not only meet the needs of Chinese institutions, but also have transnational education or work experience are in extreme shortage.

Furthermore, Poland takes more time to complete visa or residence applications comparing with the neighbours. There is an old saying in China: One needs to live happily before working hard. I also hope that the Polish government can offer the people who come to invest and work some policies to make medical care, education and others easier and relieve their concerns. 总商会使拥有相似价值观和利益的企业聚 在一起，能否请您说明你们共同的价值观 和利益是什么，其中最重要的又是哪一点？ The Chamber brings together companies with similar values and interests.

Could you elaborate on what these are and which would you say are the most important? 波兰中国总商会是波中两国企业共同倡议成立 的自治性商业组织，宗旨是促进中波合作、维护企 业利益、搭建沟通平台、改善营商环境。当前会员构 成以中资企业为主，将来我们也非常欢迎对与中国 投资合作经贸往来共同开发感兴趣的波兰本地企 业加盟，通过相互尊重、相互沟通，实现合作共赢。 The Polish Chinese General Chamber of Commerce is an autonomous business organization jointly established by the enterprises of Poland and China. The purpose is to promote cooperation between China and Poland, safeguard the interests of enterprises, build a communication platform and improve the business environment. Current membership is mainly composed of Chinese enterprises.

We also welcome the participation of local Polish enterprises which are interested in co-developing economic and trade exchanges with China, and achieve bilateral benefit through mutual respect and communication.

PM

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中波两国企业有很多领域能够实现互通 有无、优势互补就是最好的证明。 CHINESE AND POLISH ENTERPRISES CAN ACHIEVE INTEROPERABILITY AND COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER IN MANY FIELDS, WHICH IS VERY SELFEXPLANATORY.”

中波之间的文化差异是经贸合作的障碍还 是为经贸合作带来了双方都重视的多样性？ Do cultural differences between China and Poland pose a barrier or do they bring in diversity in business, which is valued on both sides of the negotiating table? 文化差异的存在是一种必然现象，但这种差异 并不是中波经贸合作的障碍。中波两国企业有很多 领域能够实现互通有无、优势互补就是最好的证 明。中波两国互惠互利的历史也表明双方不存在 原则性分歧，也不存在不可调和的矛盾。 Cultural difference is inevitable, but this should not be an obstacle to China-Poland economic and trade cooperation. Chinese and Polish enterprises can achieve interoperability and complement each other in many fields, which is very self-explanatory. The long history of mutual our beneficial cooperation proves that there is no principled disagreement and no irreconcilable contradictions.

PM

哪些波兰企业有国际化的潜力？它们在哪 些领域和行业可以与中国企业开展合作？ Which Polish companies, if any, have global potential? On what markets and in what industries can they work in partnership with Chinese companies? 中波两国在电信、能源、生物、IT、矿产机械、食 品贸易、电子游戏等领域有广泛的合作前景，波兰 也有很多企业走向了包括中国在内的国际市场，包 括有：KGHM（铜/银矿集团）、Mlekovita（乳制品生 产商）、CD Projekt Red（电子游戏）、Boryszew（ 机械制造）、Assecco（软件和IT）、Famur（采矿机 械制造商）、Ciech（化工产品）、Black Red White 和Forte（家具）等。特别是波兰的CD Projekt Red 游戏公司在全球有着很高的知名度，其《巫师》系 列游戏作品在中国市场家喻户晓。 China and Poland have extensive cooperation prospects in the fields of telecommunications, energy, biology, IT, mineral machinery, food trade and video games. Many PM

Polish companies, like KGHM (copper/silver mine group), Mlekovita (dairy producer), CD Projekt Red (video game), Boryszew (machinery), Assecco (software and IT), Famur (mining machinery manufacturer), Ciech (chemical products), Black Red White and Forte (furniture), are heading to international markets including China. It should be emphasize that games of CD Projekt Red are popular worldwide, the Witcher series is quite well-known in China.

2 018 年 5月10日波 兰关于支 持 新投 资项 目的 法 案 通 过 后，波 兰 全 境 都成 为了经 济 特区。这一 变 化 是 否能 刺 激中国投 资 者，还是不会影响他们对波兰市场的兴趣？ Since the adoption of the Act of 10 May 2018 on supporting new investment projects, all of Poland has been transformed into one special economic zone. Does this change offer more incentives for investors from China or does it have no significant impact on their interest in the Polish market? 波兰将全国都设为经济特区后鼓励更多中国 投资者前来波兰投资。在新的法案下，中国企业 可以更加灵活选择投资地址，而不必局限于经济 特区内，增加了企业的选择性，但是，新的法案 同时提高了对投资质量（此处表述不够清晰，建 议通过具体的指标或者门槛等说明）的要求，增 加了企业申请难度。 The new Act offers more incentives for Chinese investors in Poland. Under the new Act, Chinese investors can choose the places for investment more flexibly instead of being limited to exact locations like special economic zones, which increases the choices for investors. However, we also need to notice that investment quality measurement is added for the application process, so in some cases it is even harder for investors to • get it.

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TECHNOLOGY – A PRIORITY FOR CHINA'S DEVELOPMENT 技 术 - 中 国 发 展 的优 先事项 GUO PEIDONG, Chief Representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Poland

在 日 益 全 球 化 的 背 景 下 ，经 济 的 哪 些 领域目前 有最 大的发 展机会？ What branches of the economy currently stand a chance to develop the most in the context of growing globalisation? 在全球化条件下，以及在未来的工业产业中，绿 色科技、人工智能、纳米技术、物联网、电子商务、 新能源、医药和养老产业、基因生物工程等将得 到巨大的发展，这也是包括中国在内各大经济体 着力发展的领域。同德国提出的工业4.0相类似， 中国企业也在致力于高科技产业的发展，并愿意 与世界各国企业和研究机构合作，共享合作成果， 共同造福世界人民和世界经济发展。 Technology and related industries will be the priorities for support and development in PM

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China, and it is the same in other big economies. I would like to list specific technological aspects such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, the internet of things, e-commerce, renewable energy, pharmaceutics, gene-editing, etc. All the programmes brought with different country governments are built on the basis of technology development including Industry 4.0 of Germany.

China is also putting emphasis and priority on such industries for its economic development and is ready and open to cooperate with other partners and share the achievements with other countries to improve and benefit people all over the world.

波 兰 农 产 品 和 食品 公司 希 望 能 够 在 更 大 程 度 进 入 中 国 庞 大 的 市 场 。您 对 他 们 有 何 建 议 ，才 能 使 他 们 与 中 国 伙 伴 加强 合 作从而给双方带 来 最 大 利 益？ Polish agri-food companies would like to be present on the huge Chinese market to a much higher degree. What would you advise them to do so that cooperation with Chinese partners brings as many benefits as possible to both sides? 当前，已经有部分波兰农产品和食品进入中国 市场，并以自己的高品质得到了中国消费者的青睐。 但进一步扩大和深化两国农产品和食品合作，两国 企业界还需要很长的路要走。我主要列举几个目前 存在的困难，一是路途遥远的影响。目前的中欧班 PM

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

列在扩大两国贸易合作的潜力还远远没有发掘出 来，波兰农产品通过中欧班列途径俄罗斯而受到 俄罗斯和欧盟相互贸易制裁的影响；海运长时间 运输使得食品的鲜活性受到影响；二是波兰企业 对中国市场和饮食习惯缺乏足够了了解。我曾参 加波兰鱼类企业出口中国的研讨会，一家波兰企 业建议将波兰鲤鱼出口到中国，但他不知道，中国 人从来不吃死的淡水鱼，而把活鲤鱼出口到中国是 不现实的。同时，找到合适的中国合作伙伴来了解 中国的法律法规和多变的市场环境也十分重要。 Polish food is gaining the trust of Chinese consumers and becoming quite popular in China. But there are still some problems or obstacles that prevent both countries from deepening and widening their cooperation in agri-products and food. I could list some of them: firstly, long distance. Railway connections between China and Poland do not fulfil the expectations of businesses from both countries. The reason is that Polish food transferred through Russian territory is blocked under the mutual trade embargo between the EU and Russia. Sea transportation makes most of the agri-products and food lose freshness and competitiveness due to the long way of shipment accordingly.

Second, Polish agri-food companies are advised to get a good understanding of Chinese eating habits and to get familiar with Chinese consumers preferences and specifics of the market which are different from European ones so that they can make products suitable for the Chinese. Many Polish companies don’t know about that. I could quote an example: once I took part in a meeting of Polish fishing firms aiming to export fish to the Chinese market. A company suggested to sell Polish carps to the Chinese market. I just smiled, no one in China wold buy it no matter how eco or bio they are grown, as Chinese people never eat dead or frozen river fish. Besides, they need to find reliable Chinese partners who can help them know the laws and regulations and get used to the changeable business environment. 许 多中国企 业 跟西欧国家企 业的合作已 很 成 功，特 别 是 在 I T 领 域 。波 兰 的目标 是根据经济4.0模式进行发展。对中国来 讲，应 对类似挑战的发展项目有多重要？ A number of Chinese companies have successfully worked in partnership with companies from Western Europe, especially in IT. Poland’s goal is to develop in line with the Economy 4.0 model. How important are projects related to similar challenges for China? 正如刚才所说，近些年来来中国在IT和ICO领 域发展迅速，也具有了一定的产业优势。波兰在机 器人、环保技术等领域也具有比较优势，一些初创 PM

企业的技术和项目也受到了中国企业的关注。可以 说，在科技领域，中波两国企业合作的空间非常广 阔。我们也希望中欧投资协定能够尽快达成，为中 波两国科技企业合作创造良好条件。 Over these years, industrial technology in very different aspects of the economy in China is growing rapidly, especially in IT or ICO. As said before, the new era of industry is of technology and innovation. Poland has the obvious advantages in the robotic and environment protection industries.

I know there so many good start-ups Chinese companies would like to cooperate with.

I always hold the stance that technology and scientific R&D are the big promising aspects for cooperation between China and Poland.

There is so much room for us both to deepen and widen our economic cooperation to benefit both countries and its people. I think after China and the EU reach a deal on mutual investment, there should be some real technology projects to be realized between Poland and China. 在解决费用支付和质量标准测试方面，中国和 波兰合作伙伴之间的信任程度如何可以增加？ In what way can the level of trust between business partners from Poland and China be increased when it comes to the settling of payments and testing of quality standards? 近几个月来，贸促会波兰代表处参与调解了十 几起中波企业间的贸易纠纷。应该承认，两国贸 易纠纷的调解和解决还缺乏有效的手段和途径。 贸促会波兰代表处通过国内系统资源的支持，可 以提供协助和调解服务，但没有强制执行的效力。 可以说，双方企业缺乏互信和频发的纠纷严重影 响了两国贸易合作的质量和潜力，需要认真考虑 解决办法。贸促会作为中国最大的投资贸易促进 机构，拥有仲裁和调解等职能部门，波兰企业通 过贸促会可以得到中国企业的基本资信信息和记 录，但中国企业面对波兰企业的资信问题，就更 加无助，我们在波兰还没有看到可以提供基础资 信服务的公共组织和机构。 There are some problems we are facing now. Over these months we are dealing with a lot of trade dispute between Chinese and Polish businesses. Yes, it is obvious and deserves to be dealt with in a very serious way.

CCPIT could serve as a platform in which Polish companies could get enough credit information of its Chinese partner they are going to cooperate with. We are also mediating some disputes, but there isn't any kind of legal enforcement. On the other hand, in Poland there is even no such organization like CCPIT to provide such service, so Chinese companies have it very hard to get credit record information of Polish companies. To litigate is not best choice either for Chinese PM

companies or Polish ones. Up to now, to put frankly, we have no efficient tools or good ways to improve the situation. 波 兰消费 者对中国品牌的认知度似乎较 低。波兰人购买到的中国产品往往是冠以 外国的品牌。这样的情况在十年前是合理 的，但像T C L、小米 或 华为的公司已 经证 明了建立和推广自己的品牌是符合自身利 益的。这种策略未来会否发生变化，我们 可不可以期待更多的中国品牌进入市场？ The awareness of Chinese brands among Polish consumers seems to be low. Poles buy Chinese products, but under different brands. This was justified a decade ago, but such companies as TCL, Xiaomi or Huawei have proved that it pays to build and promote their own brands. Is this strategy going to be developed and can we expect more Chinese brands on the market? 自主品牌的培育和发展一直是中国企业面临的 重要问题。改革开发30年来，外国企业对中国各种 形式 的投资为中国民生的改善和经济的高速增长 贡献很大，但中国作为世界工厂为世界知名品牌贴 牌生产，利润大部分流向国外企业，间接影响到了 中国自主品牌壮大发展。这也是一种经济合作不平 衡的表现，是不可持续的。近年来，在市场规则下， 部分中国品牌逐步进入国际市场，有些在严酷的国 际竞争中存活下来，但更多还是被市场淘汰。但我 相信，随着世界产业分工的进一步调整，会有越来 越多中国品牌在国际市场上立稳脚跟，给世界消费 者带来更多的选择。 Yes, of course, it is a very serious problem the Chinese economy is facing. Over the past 30 years, partly thanks to foreign investment, the Chinese economy has experienced amazing growth and become now the second biggest economy. The benefit is visible in job creation, living standard improvements and infrastructure construction, but there are also weaknesses. That means for so many years Chinese people have been working for giant multinational companies as they have no brand of their own acknowledged by the world. It is also a kind of imbalance of word economy when it comes to the international division of labour. For so many years China has served as the world's workshop ensuring the living standards improvement and economic growth, but it has also brought environmental concerns such as air pollution and soil degradation. It should be changed. A lot of Chinese brands are growing up, some of them could survive the competition with others, some not, but whatever happens, it is for sure that more and more Chinese brands will show up in the world markets to give people more choice and to • save more money.

PM

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

ANDRZEJ PIECZONKA, former Counsellor, Trade and Investment Promotion Section, Polish Consulate General in Shanghai

A B O U T R E L AT I O N S

W I T H C H I N A . W H AT TO D O TO H AV E T WO WINNERS?

T

he language of politicians and business people contains the term “winwin situation.” Used for many years now, it describes an ideal state of relations when both parties can be satisfied with the achieved results. In recent years the Polish and Chinese people have significantly improved their English language skills, but this is not the only reason why the term

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“win-win” is often used in talks between our politicians and business executives. However, isn’t it done just to create a nice atmosphere and please one’s partner?

In our relations with China, are we close to harmony between the two sides in pursuing their interests? Do we have winners at the two ends of negotiating tables? And if we still do not, then what is the way that would lead

us to the state where Poland and the European Union increasingly have a win-win situation in their economic relations with China?

There is a good reason why the recent EUChina summit has mainly focused on economic cooperation, including trade and investment.

A mutual increase in trade and a two-way flow of investment may give both sides a sense of success and winning. But in order to speak

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION about winning we – Polish and European business people - should first think again about what we are playing for. The short answer is: the Chinese market. The incredible development of the Chinese economy has generated demand for many goods and services. Traditionally, most demand comes from the middle class, as is the case with every society, whether one with a strong central authority or based on liberal principles. Thanks to the emergence of the middle class in China, especially in large urban centres, the priorities of the Chinese economy have been changing for many years.

In the first decades after the start of its opendoor policy China stood on one leg like a stork in spring: its economy was driven by exports.

Manufactured cheaply, in large quantities and to order from others. China turned into the workshop of the world. It was a period when existential needs of the Chinese were being met, the country’s economic potential was gradually restored and people were given uncreative jobs. The children of those who opened China to the outside world live in a different country. Their leaders articulate growing aspirations, pointing to the ambitions and needs of the new generation of Chinese people. For Europeans China is no longer merely a manufacturing workshop, but first of all a market for products and services. China’s population is 2.5 times larger than that of the Old Continent and the priorities of the Chinese economy are clearly focusing on strengthening internal demand as a driver of economic growth.

The middle class means in practice rising demand for healthy food, cosmetics, medicines, furniture and a range of services, education and care for the natural environment, especially in Chinese megacities. There is room for Europeans to win. But have we got a taste of winning? Not really. Poland is not the only EU member state to continue to report a growing deficit in its trade with China, despite a gradual increase in exports to the country. Fast exports growth is one of the driving forces behind the Polish economy. But we still export relatively little to China. A winning position? At the European Economic Congress in May it is probably worth considering conditions of access to the Chinese market. The European Chamber of Commerce in China prepares an annual report, entitled “Position Paper,” containing assessments of conditions for the operation in the country of numerous sectors of particular importance for European business. In the latest edition of the report, European business people presented more than 820 recommendations / conclusions, including their reservations about conditions for business in China. These are problems related to certification, time-consuming formalities, a lack of transparency, the favouring of Chinese businesses,

“

MANY POLISH FIRMS, INCLUDING SMALL BUSINESSES, HAVE EXPANDED THROUGH IMPORTS FROM CHINA. NOW, TIME HAS COME FOR A MUCH MORE DIFFICULT CHALLENGE, WHICH IS TO DEVELOP EXPORTS TO CHINA."

unequal competition, extorting technology transfers and problems with the protection of intellectual property. These barriers are particularly troublesome for Polish small and medium-sized businesses. Although they fare very well on many markets, including those outside Europe, it is still tough going for them in China and their presence in the country is relatively weak. So we do not have a sense of winning. And it is good that the problem of market access was an important topic at the recent EU-China summit. The Polish government supports a whole range of measures taken as part of a programme with a very encouraging name: Go China. There are training sessions, trade missions and B2B meetings.

But one of the main topics discussed at training sessions is problems with entry onto the Chinese market. Many Polish firms, including small businesses, have expanded through imports from China. Now, time has come for a much more difficult challenge, which is to develop exports to China.

The topic is important, the more so as it largely determines the climate around President Xi Jinping’s vision: the Belt and Road idea.

This concept is not a programme for the development of a transport network between China and Europe, as it may seem. But a gradual reduction of the trade gap between Europe and China is of major importance for its implementation. The New Silk Road has to give a taste of winning to the Chinese as well. It is a vision which refers to the role of China in the world in the period of the Ming dynasty, on the one hand, and is designed to contribute to the development of infrastructure in Western China, which is still much less developed than the rest of the country, and put China in leading positions in the world, on the other. The New Silk Road leads to Western Europe via Poland. We are playing for the Chinese market, and the Chinese are playing for technologies and modernity, which Europe can offer them. We are trying to attract Chinese direct investment to Poland, but statistics show that mergers and acquisitions enjoy the biggest interest. The Chinese are also playing for

investment in infrastructure in Central Europe as is clearly indicated by discussions in the forum of the 16+1 group, and now 17+1 after Greece’s accession. During discussions on cooperation between Poland and China and between Europe and China at the European Economic Congress, it is worthwhile to talk about conditions conducive to a sense of winwin, whether Chinese investment in Europe poses a threat to its sense of security, and how to define the areas of cooperation benefiting the two sides. Despite the impressive development of its infrastructure in recent years, Poland still has a lot to do. Is there also room for the Chinese to win? If so, in which sectors? It is important not to leave these questions unanswered in this discussion.

Talking about win-win situations is not easy because politics, including the pursuit of economic policy, mainly means pursuing one’s own interests. However, the present trends in relations between China and the European Union indicate that the two may indeed create conditions under which one party can pursue all of its priorities while making the other partner a winner as well. The recent talks in Brussels have shown that the two sides are able to talk about joint plans to reform such global organisations as WTO. The European Congress in Katowice has always been an important forum for discussion on the present and future economic relations between Poland and China. I am convinced that the same will be the case this time. We have a significant, though unmeasurable, advantage in this discussion: a traditionally positive attitude of the two parties towards each other resulting from the historical experience of good relations between the Polish and Chinese.

Confucius taught the Chinese people hierarchy, care for order in the state and family, as well as loyalty and the virtue of friendship. It is worth remembering about it when outlining the two countries’ fields of interest, fields which are often conflicting. Let us not avoid discussion about winning. After all, great Chinese strategist Sun Tzu taught our partner to resolve conflicts and win without waging a war.

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S I L K ROA D

– NEW GLOBAL CHALLENGE AND O P P O RT U N I T Y The world is changing very rapidly, especially after the global crisis. Business cycles are very short, tensions acute and the biggest threat to the global economy is gigantic uncertainty.

JANUSZ PIECHOCIŃSKI, President of the Polish-Asian Chamber of Commerce

T

he Shanghai index, which illustrates trade and maritime transport between Asia and Europe and Asia and the United States, indicates that Europe is being marginalised. This concerns trade in natural gas, iron, ores, materials and food. Ten years ago we still thought that there would be a shortage of oil and gas in the world and that prices would hover at USD160180 per barrel. Now, the price per barrel stands at around USD70 or so. In contrast, coal - which cost only USD46 dollars at its low – today sells at USD74-78 per tonne. The best time for Poland in Europe, the period which had begun after 1989, ended in 2014. And the way of thinking about economy changed after the global crisis. We no longer hear about building bridges, but about trade wars, walls and isolationism.

CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE OF INVESTMENT In 2013, China for the first time ever had more investment in Europe than vice versa. What is more, anticipating the outbreak of a trade war of unprecedented scale with the Anglo-Saxon world, China has got rid of much of its dollar reserves, which dropped from USD6 trillion

by USD4 trillion. Within half a year, the Japanese again became America’s largest creditor.

WASHINGTON AND BEIJING China’s huge trade advantage over the United States means that trade is becoming an area of fight for influence between Washington and Beijing. China dominates global trade,

46 polish market

“

THE NEW SILK ROAD CONCEPT IS A FLEXIBLE FORMAT USED BY CHINA IN ITS DIALOGUE WITH MANY COUNTRIES. IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING THIS CONCEPT CHINA WILL BE ABLE TO EXPAND ITS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INFLUENCE IN ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD: CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN ASIA.”

being the main trading partner for 124 countries while the United States is the main partner for 56 countries.

NEW SILK ROAD CONCEPT Chinese President Xi Jinping presented the New Silk Road concept in autumn 2013. Initially, it was about building a network of infrastructural connections, mainly transport corridors between China and Europe, which is China’s biggest trading partner. Since 2014 the concept has been expanded and has gained in importance, becoming the key instrument of Chinese foreign policy. At the end of 2014, the Chinese authorities announced the establishment of the Silk Road Fund with a capital of USD40 billion. An additional source of funding will be the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) established in November 2014 by China and 20 other Asian countries. Poland is one of AIIB’s founding members. Another source of

funding will be the New Development Bank established by the BRICS states.

DIALOGUE WITH PARTNERS The New Silk Road concept is a flexible format used by China in its dialogue with many countries. In the process of implementing this concept China will be able to expand its political and economic influence in its neighbourhood: Central and South-Eastern Asia. The New Silk Road may also be an alternative reference point for American and Russian integration projects in these regions. The concept will facilitate a rise in China’s influence in transit countries on the road to Western Europe, that is in the Middle East (Arab countries, Israel, Turkey), in the Horn of Africa and Central Europe (Balkan and Visegrad Group countries). The New Silk Road is also of significant importance for China’s internal policy. It is one of the main political projects designed to contribute to the

CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION development of central and western provinces of the country. Its flexible character enables China to continue the existing bilateral projects which are already carried out by presenting them as components of the Silk Road concept.

NETWORK OF CORRIDORS The New Silk Road is to be composed of a network of land and maritime corridors linking China with the European Union, the numberone trade partner for China. This means building or modernising road and rail transport infrastructure, including high-speed railways, airports, and inland and maritime ports, as well as developing oil and gas pipelines, and telecom infrastructure. The New Silk Road is a combination of routes, with more than 10 variants of transport links between China and Europe.

Individual variants do not exclude each other.

Building the new transport links based on new political initiatives makes sense, if only because of the volume of China’s trade with the parts of the world which the land or maritime variant of the Silk Road is to cross: USD559 billion with Europe, USD443 billion with the ASEAN countries, USD257 billion with the Middle East, USD192 billion with Africa and USD150 billion with CIS. Some of the infrastructural projects which will make part of the New Silk Road, such as roads and pipelines in Central Asia and the freight rail connection with Poland and Germany, had existed before the concept was announced.

NO CHANGE IN POLICY The announcement of the New Silk Road concept does not fundamentally change China’s todate policy, with investment projects in individual countries to be continued in the form of bilateral dialogue and only after their completion they will be presented as part of the Silk Road. The Chinese project is targeted at as many as around 50 countries. In contrast to European integration and initiatives promoted by Russia in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Chinese concept is an open political project with no clearly marked borders.

NEW SILK ROAD AND EUROPE Europe is the most important trading partner for China. The implementation of the New Silk Road concept in its narrow scope – the construction of infrastructural links – will make it possible to increase trade and boost economic relations. The project, even if implemented only partly, will improve China’s access to the European market and facilitate the tightening of its relations with the European Union.

GATEWAY TO WESTERN EUROPE

Basic facts •

China is now the world’s second biggest economy.

Central and Eastern Europe may play a significant role as a transit zone and gateway to the Western European market. Trade between China and Central and Eastern Europe is worth USD40 billion, or less than 10% of China’s total trade with the European Union. As a result, Central and Eastern Europe will not be the main market for Chinese products, but it may play the role of a gateway to Western Europe, with maritime and inland ports. Infrastructure is still underdeveloped in Central and Eastern Europe, especially at the junction with its non-EU eastern environment. Let us also remember about China’s import needs. As the country’s middle class is growing so are the needs of the Chinese people and industry.

•

China’s population has already reached 1.367 billion.

•

More than 77 billion businesses operate on the

The scale of the challenges is illustrated

by China’s demand for imported pork.

China is 99% self-sufficient in pork.

But the remaining 1% is equivalent to 12-14% of the world’s annual pork trade. In 2019, China’s pork import needs will increase because of an ASF epidemic.

IDEA OF SUPERINTERMARIUM The Chinese vision of Central Europe is the 16+1 initiative. It was officially launched at the Royal Castle in Warsaw in April 2012. Several months later, in September, the 16+1 secretariat was established in Beijing.

Meetings between the Chinese prime minister and the prime ministers of 16 Central European countries have been held annually since that time: in 2012 in Warsaw, 2013 in Bucharest, 2014 in Belgrade, 2015 in Suzhou and 2016 in Riga. The latest meeting was held in Dubrovnik.

A new Plan 6+1 was announced at the Suzhou meeting in 2015 in the presence of Polish President Andrzej Duda. The Plan 6+1 is the idea of Superintermarium and the linking of three seas: the Baltic, Adriatic and the Black Sea. The ports located on the coasts of these seas are to be connected by a network of high-speed railways, hence the Chinese name “gaotie waijiao,” meaning high-speed rail diplomacy. Technology parks are to be built in the vicinity of the ports.

TWO VARIANTS OF THE ROUTE The maritime route will enter Europe from the south, mainly through Greek ports, and will favour Balkan countries and Hungary.

In turn, the shortest variant of the land route

Chinese market.

•

China’s foreign investment in 2016 exceeded USD170 billion.

•

The value of Chinese direct investment on the European market in the form of acquisitions has grown steadily since 2010, going up from around USD2.5 billion to more than USD20 billion in 2015.

•

In 2016, China invested USD39 billion in Europe and Europe only USD9 billion in China. In 2018, Chinese investment in the United States and Europe dropped significantly while China attracted USD120 billion.

•

By 2050 China will become the world’s biggest economy.

leads to Germany via Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Poland.

We have to open up to new markets, including Asian ones, by selling not only products but also services, transport services included, because we are a power in international road transport. The Polish company PKP Cargo is Europe’s second biggest freight carrier. However, we are still not satisfied with the handling of transit traffic between the east and west and the north and south. The rail terminal in Sławków still deals more with northsouth traffic than east-west traffic.

The programme of stimulating activity at Polish ports has been a success. However, for the ports to develop one needs imports, exports and appropriate infrastructure. Unfortunately, for five years the Polish public administration sector has failed to generate the promised traffic with the East.

RACE AGAINST TIME At the level of politics and business, one needs to be aware that a race against time is on. If we do not take appropriate measures the logistics service for the Hungarian, Slovak, Czech, Ukrainian and Belarussian economies, now provided by the Port of Gdańsk, will be taken over by Pireus, Constanta or Odessa. The competition goes on and if we are inactive we will lose it. The positive political impulses from President Duda’s state visit to Beijing in 2015 and President Xi Jinping’s revisit in June 2016 are dying down. For various reasons, we are not exploiting our potential. The eighth largest EU economy is in 15th place in Europe when it comes to exports to China, behind Hungary and the Czech Republic, which are smaller. And Poland’s big trade deficit with China • is widening.

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A TOUR D'HORIZON OF THE REFORM AND OPENING-UP China's transformation under the Reform and Opening-up banner is the greatest success story of our time. Now the country is entering its next phase, deepening and internationalizing the reforms, and inviting the world to build a community of shared destiny.

MICHAŁ KOŁAKOWSKI (米豪) is a graduate of Renmin University, and a business and political consultant. He regularly comments on ChinesePolish affairs for Chinese media. 微信: mihao0524

T

he year 2018 marked the 40th anniversary of launching Chinese economic reforms under the Reform and Opening-up policy. On December 18, 1978 at the historic 3rd Plenum ascending leader Deng Xiaoping delivered a carefully thought-out keynote address and urged members of the communist party to emancipate their minds, seek the truth in the facts and unite as one to face the future. He outlined a shift of priorities towards economic construction and elevated the principle of pragmatism over dogma and rigidity, ushering in a new chapter for the People's Republic and putting China onto a path of economic miracle that transformed a poverty-stricken nation into a modern, prosperous and innovating country.

The path China traveled was not easy. The Reform and Opening-up was not a fixed set of policies but a gradualist and incrementalist process of experimentations, implementations and adjustments, deliberations, debates and compromises, false starts, detours and successes in perennial quest for the optimum system; epitomized in the phrase crossing the river by feeling the stones. Over its course, China has opened up for foreign trade and investment, liberalized prices, diversified ownership, strengthened property rights, maintained high savings and investment, kept tight macroeconomic control, but also reinvented central-planning institutions and modernized state-owned enterprises, creating a hybrid economic system under the brand of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Market reforms accelerated further in the 1990s in the course of the WTO membership negotiations. The accession in 2001 paved the way to

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a decisive decade of export-led strong growth and industrial transformation.

Economic development laid the foundation for even more far-reaching societal changes.

Income per capita rose from a meager USD229 in 1978, which back then placed China among the 10 poorest countries in the world, to the upper-middle income country level – USD9,769 in 2018. In a monumental achievement of social development, 740 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the last remaining pockets of extreme poverty are to be eliminated by 2021.

But what perhaps even better illustrates the radical improvement of living standards is the massive expansion of consumption patterns.

From 1978 to 2017, the consumption of pork Chinese people's favorite meat - has increased nearly sevenfold, downgrading its status from a food reserved for the Spring Festival Eve to staple food. Home appliances went from a luxury good owned by only one out of several dozen households to a universality. The number of motor vehicles rose from 1.3 million, most of them trucks, to 300 million. In 2018 the netizen population grew to 802 million, empowering, the emergence of homegrown e-commerce and technology giants. The middle class is projected to expand to staggering 520 million with a combined total disposable income of USD2 trillion. Their growing appetite for quality products is a prime import engine turning China into the world's marketplace.

China’s urbanization was christened by "The Economist" the biggest movement of humanity the planet has seen. The ratio rose from 18% in 1978 to 58% in 2017, is set to exceed the world average of 60% in 2020, and projected to reach

70% by 2030, ultimately integrating 1 billion people into cities.

The Chinese people's lives have improved not only materially. They have also gained more civil rights and freedoms. Despite undergoing a fundamental change, China has maintained its social and political sustainability by striking a balance between reform, development and stability. Undesirable consequences of rapid growth, such as rising inequality, environmental degradation, uneven regional development, underwhelming public services, which reached alarming levels in the 2000s, are increasingly efficiently targeted and mitigated by public policies.

In global context, China transformed from a semi-autarkic pariah to an economy of global significance. The global GDP share rose from 1.8% to 15.2%. As much as 30% of global economic growth is contributed by China, providing a major impetus to the global economy and in particular for Asia and Africa. As a manufacturing hub central to the global value chain, China has become the largest trading nation with combined trade totalling USD3.87 trillion in 2018. In the past 40 years, foreign companies have made direct investments of over USD1.7 trillion; but in 2015 China's outbound investments surpassed foreign investments (FDI), becoming a net exporter of capital.

Over the past 40 years, China has been instrumental in shaping globalization as both a participant and a contributor. The figures underscore the extent of mutual dependence. In a speech at the 16+1 Dubrovnik Summit Premier Li Keqiang highlighted that neither can China develop without the world, nor can the world • prosper without China.

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CHINESE-POLISH COOPERATION

WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES

TO EXPAND

CURRENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES MAŁGORZATA CEBELIŃSKA, Sales Director of Mlekpol Dairy Cooperative in Grajewo, talks to "Polish Market".

The products of SM Mlekpol are well known to Polish consumers. Are they recognized abroad as well? Which brands are the most popular on individual markets?

Mlekpol has created the most recognizable dairy product brands in Poland. Our flagship brand is Łaciate but our portfolio also includes the famous Maślanka Mrągowska, Milko, Rolmlecz, Mazurski Smak, Milk Zambrowskie, Białe, and Milatte. To foreign consumers, Mlekpol also offers dedicated brands to foreign markets. These include the Happy Barn and Milcasa milk, already well known to overseas consumers. The Łaciate brand (milk, creams and butter) on worldwide markets, as in Poland, still remains the most popular. This is an extremely well-liked brand and its nice, simple and homely character arouses very positive emotions among the consumers. The cornerstones of this brand include true values and many decades of history. Łaciate has become synonymous with top-quality Polish milk coming from the cleanest regions of Poland, i.e. Podlasie and Masuria. It can be purchased in more than 100 countries on most continents of the world.

PM

The previous year saw large investments at SM Mlekpol. What are the effects of the undertaken actions? Does it involve export activities as well?

Our motto is development, which means constant investments. Mlekpol can boast an export success. This year, we are launching number of new products. We are also completing our most important investment in the recent years – the construction of Poland’s largest Powdered Dairy Goods Production Plant in Mrągowo. This will be the most PM

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modern milk powder plant in Poland with a planned capacity of 3 million liters of milk and whey per day. Therefore, the production capacities and the product offer of Mlekpol in this segment will soon rise significantly. We are happy we will be able to offer completely new products to our Partners, namely highpurity milk and whey proteins, instant products as well as infant formulas.

How large is SM Mlekpol's offer to its foreign partners?

Mlekpol’s offer includes more than 400 products. Considering the entirety of our export, we can say the products enjoying the most interest from foreign contractors include Łaciate milk and creams as well as milk powders and whey products. Our main external market includes the European Union countries where we send a wide range of products, including the short-term ones. The Cooperative’s products now have recipients in South America, Asia and the Far East as well.

PM

How much does Mlekpol export to China, out of its 30% total export volume? What products and in what quantities does Mlekpol export to China?

The number of container shipments in 2018 exceeded 1200 items, which gave the quantity exceeding 25.200 tons of dairy products.

It was a full assortment of milk in 1 litre and 500 ml packages with a fat content from 0% to 3.8% and flavoured milk in 200 ml cartons.

Today Łaciate milk is one of the liders of imported milk in China just with German, New Zealand and Australian products. Besides UHT milk MLEKPOL exports other products with long shelf life as skim milk and whey powder.

PM

Does Mlekpol have any plans for further expansion on the Chinese market? What is the perspective regarding the sales this year?

Mlekpol’s plans provide for further increases, because Chinese recipients evaluate our products very well. We consider China as one of the most important export direction for us. We are looking for new opportunities to expand current business activities. We constantly search for new partners who are able to fill not covered channels yet.

Moreover, we consider the fact that we have to expand our range of products in Chinese market. Actually we are in the process of introducing mozzarella cheese and butter into China. We plan to increase our presence due to fast growing interest in our dairy products. We expect that 2019 will be better than 2018 in figures.

PM

What are the trends on foreign dairy markets and how does your offer fit in with them?

Functional foods are gaining interest on foreign markets. On this account, Mlekpol relies on surveys by the Institute for Dairy Industry Innovation, the only such facility in Poland to study the preferences and needs of dairy consumers worldwide. The effects of this cooperation are Mlekpol products with a composition suitable for each market, made of top-quality Polish milk. Product safety, repeatability and high quality are very significant on foreign markets. Foreign customers pay much attention to the composition of products, packaging and milk origin. Mlekpol fits these worldwide trends perfectly.

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MEDICINE

MONEY HAS NEVER BEEN MY PRIORITY.

PEOPLE ARE!

The 9th Polish Businesswomen Congress was an occasion to talk to Ms BEATA DRZAZGA, owner and President of the Management Board of BetaMed SA, owner of the Drzazga Clinic, Betamed International and the Dono da Scheggia boutique. Beata Drzazga has been successfully running BetaMed SA for 18 years now, and nearly every participant in the Congress knows her. Women approach her, congratulate her on her success, and thank her for the inspiration they get from her. In her opening speech, Ms Drzazga said that during various business conferences in Poland and abroad, other participants would think she was one of the entrepreneurs’ wives, not a businesswoman. When asked about her occupation, she would answer that she was successfully running several companies - BetaMed SA, BetaMed International in Las Vegas, the Drzazga Clinic, and the Dono da Scheggia boutique, in addition to an electronic equipment store she had been running in Miami for 7 years. She employs about 3000 staff, who provide care to about 5000 patients. At that point in her opening speech, storms of applause could be heard in the hall. And, though she acknowledged that business did not differentiate people in terms of gender, she hoped each participant’s achievements would speak for them. She also wished that more and more women would join men in the world of business.

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Business does not differentiate people in terms of gender…

No. I believe it all depends on personality. Both men and women must often make risky and unpopular decisions when running a business. This also applies to myself sometimes. But I have the ability to remain empathic and gentle. I can reconcile my roles as a mother and a boss, and I even find some time for myself. By telling my story, perhaps I will encourage some women to start their own businesses. I am glad that I have the opportunity to inspire other women, to give them some advice on running a business, and on how to deal with challenges company owners have to face.

I can present the positive and negative sides of the profession. But I’d like to stress that both men and women have their value.

Business really does not differentiate people in terms of gender.

PM

We had the chance to meet two years ago.

What has changed since then?

My company is growing all the time. BetaMed SA is the largest medical-care company in Poland, providing live-in and inpatient care. We operate 91 branches across 11 provinces. We employ about 3000 people.

I also opened the Drzazga Clinic in Chorzów, which is a Laser Therapy and Aesthetic Medicine Clinic. We provide world-class laser therapy, aesthetic medicine, and cosmetology services. The operations of the clinic are focused on strictly medical and aesthetic procedures, meaning that, in addition to grooming procedures, we have patients with such problems as vitiligo, ptosis (droopy eyelid), and hyperhidrosis, and those who require non-invasive slimming treatments.

Our clinic provides both standard grooming procedures and innovative cosmetic services. Highly qualified staff, using innovative and unique equipment, guarantee safety, the highest-quality services, and a relaxing atmosphere during the procedures. Quality is what I care most about, so the team at the Drzazga Clinic is composed of experienced physicians and professional cosmetologists who are constantly expanding their knowledge. I must admit that the beautiful interior of the Clinic, by which our patients are amazed the moment they enter, is equally important. It was similar in the case of building the BetaMed Medical Active Care clinic. During the one and half years of the Clinic’s operations, I have received five awards for Innovation, Best Quality, and Best Equipment, including the Luxury Brand and Luxury Creator titles.

PM

Why aesthetic medicine?

This is laser therapy and aesthetic medicine. I wouldn't like my clinic to be associated with a spa, despite the fact that competing companies also have some of our treatments in their portfolio. The idea behind the clinic is “Beauty is timeless.” We believe that all women and men are beautiful, and our task is to help them emphasise it. We endeavour to make everyone feel at ease and safe at our clinic. We deal with every problem using non-invasive procedures.

Where did the idea come from? From the needs of my patients. When running the Medical Active Care clinic, I often thought about what else I should do for my patients.

What could we offer them? I constantly strive towards improving the services of my company. I thought about my dear senior patients and my employees - they are also clients of the Drzazga Clinic. I am pleased that both younger and older clients use our services. Both men and women. I have noticed the change in human mentality. The public is increasingly appreciating the fact that someone cares about their appearance. It is currently not something to make fun of. It is a nice surprise that 60% of our clients are men. I am happy that business people know that image is vital in business, and in private life. An attractive appearance means better well-being, which in turn can give us more energy to live and work.

PM

Yes. During our last conversation, you said that you had this idea to create a spa for senior patients. You meant the Drzazga Clinic, didn’t you?

That’s right. But let me stress that the Drzazga Clinic is not for senior patients only. We have clients of all ages, both men and women.

PM

Do you select treatments individually for each patient?

Of course. We believe in a holistic and professional approach to patients. We select treatments based on consultations with the clients. Each procedure is selected individually. I think that it is not right to suggest procedures which are not necessary, or which could even produce an adverse effect. We sometimes even discourage patients from taking specific treatments, for their own good. I was preparing the Drzazga Clinic for operation for a year and a half. I devoted a lot of time to buying cuttingedge equipment, which in fact I am still doing.

I have recently bought 4 most modern devices available on the market, and our staff PM

took part in numerous training sessions to improve their knowledge. I cannot let the willingness to make money overshadow other people and their needs. I have been working for my reputation for many years, and I can't afford to damage it.

Again and again, you have proven that you are kind-hearted, and that people are the most important in this broadly understood business. I wonder if it is a positive thing. It is good for patients and potential clients. But for a business person?

It is worth adopting the right approach.

Believe me, people really are the most important. During the 60 Million Congress Global Polonia Summit in Miami in February, which has been organised for 47 years

by Blanka Rosenstiel, Honorary Consul, I received the Gold Medal Award for creating a medical company, and for philanthropy. The award for philanthropy is the most important distinction for me. This is what I am most grateful for. I know that helping others is meaningful.

PM

You are an extraordinary person. You show with your conduct that it is possible to be polite and genuine. Despite numerous stressful situations, as it is not easy to run so many companies, you are always ready to give other people a smile. There is an increasing number of views that it is not worth being empathic, and that you should just “do your thing”.

Absolutely not. I don’t agree. I can only refer to my sector, but I do not think that doctors would agree with this opinion. Doctors, nurses, and medical staff, must be empathic, and it is a vital addition to their expertise. The appropriate approach to patients is very important, because it opens them up to the treatment. Unfortunately, salaries in healthcare are still low, but this should not affect patients in any way. Nonetheless, to see our excellent doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and carers at work lifts my spirits.

As they put it, this is a calling. They are great.

PM

I get it that there is no place for non-empathetic approach at your clinic.

I would not allow such behaviour. Luckily, I have never heard any complaints against my employees. I am happy to cooperate with such people, I’d like to thank them for working with me. They display a lot of kindness.

I am delighted that I have had the opportunity to work with my employees for so many years. Some nurses have been working with BetaMed since the very beginning, for PM

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18 years now. I appreciate the nurses’ work and conscientiousness.

In addition to the doctors, nurses and the entire medical staff, around 300 people manage the branches, and coordinate the work of the medical staff. They also create this living organism with me. Patients only receive, let's say, “the end product”, the service which nonetheless is very important. But numerous people are involved in an entire chain of operations leading to providing the services to clients who are not even aware of them.

I am extremely fortunate that I am surrounded by wonderful staff. This means managers, nurses, doctors, and physical therapists alike. They show great engagement, and they feel appreciated, hence our mutual respect. I try to show that BetaMed SA is functioning thanks to our joint efforts, while I am the one to develop the company strategy, and make all the key decisions.

PM

BetaMed Medical Active Care is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Do you regret having made the decision to open it? Have you ever had any moments of doubt?

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WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM? FROM THE NEEDS OF MY PATIENTS. WHEN RUNNING THE MEDICAL ACTIVE CARE CLINIC, I OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT ELSE I SHOULD DO FOR MY PATIENTS. WHAT COULD WE OFFER THEM? I CONSTANTLY STRIVE TOWARDS IMPROVING THE SERVICES OF MY COMPANY. "

I have no regrets. I can only thank the person I was 5 years ago for having made the decision on opening the clinic. I must admit that this was very challenging. While the clinic was being built, my staff and I would walk across the construction site with helmets on our heads. I used to spend all day perfecting every detail. I had this clinic built as if it was my own home. It seems to me that my engagement is visible, and that every detail is refined. No. I have never had any moment of doubt, and BetaMed SA has been operating on the Polish and international markets for a long time now. BetaMed SA was established 18 years ago, and ever since it has been dealing with long-term live-in care and inpatient care at the clinic.

Of course, there are problems and challenges, as in every company, but I try to focus on finding solutions, introducing improvements, with emphasis placed on patient satisfaction. The gratitude of patients we see in their eyes, and which they express in words or in thank-you letters, empowers us, compensates us for the stress, and motivates us for further work. Challenges are a normal part of running a company. You need to be aware of that.

In starting the BetaMed Medical Active Care clinic, you concentrated on senior patients, children, and adults requiring respiratory support, and on innovative solutions. This seemed like a bold move back then, but as the years passed, it has become apparent that it was visionary. In Poland, we are only now beginning to talk about seniors and the facilities they need, as we can see how fast our society is ageing.

Actually, I saw the problem of elderly people in need 18 years ago, when I started BetaMed SA. I was working as a healthcare professional back then, and I felt that we should have a kind-hearted and affectionate approach to sick people. Working as a nurse, I often thought it would be good to introduce state-of-the-art technologies and a family atmosphere, which would help patients recover faster. Hospitals are meant to treat patients, and that’s a good thing. But I wanted something more than that for patients. Hence the idea of starting my own company. My head was full of ideas which I managed to put into action. When running a private facility, I had to take into account that not everyone could afford private PM

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healthcare services. However, I could make independent decisions and introduce numerous solutions. That is why, at BetaMed Medical Active Care, seniors can take part in dance meetings, take a walk in the garden where raspberry and currant bushes grow, and where they can keep pets, and feel as if they were in their own garden. They can go to the chapel, where Holy Masses are held.

We organise church fairs, put out stalls, and buy sweets. With a view to integrating the generations, we also invite pre-schoolers and school children who come to the clinic with performances. And this Easter, a Bunny was running around the clinic with gifts for every patient and employee. We celebrate every patient's birthday, and if a staff member has a birthday, he or she gets a day off for that occasion. In starting BetaMed SA, I wanted to show what care for the sick and the elderly should be like. I don’t know why, but believe me, even as a child, I was not indifferent to the fate of others, especially the elderly. I was sad to think that their lives were coming to an end, and they were so depressed. I found it horrible that elderly persons were not respected.

I knew that there were not many people interested in the care of the sick and elderly, because everyone calculated how much it would cost. I took up the challenge with those people in mind. Care in the patients’ homes is the best option. It is not about money. Of course, you need to be responsible, because a company has to operate somehow. But money was never my priority. People suffering from diseases were. I want to stress again, however, that BetaMed SA and BetaMed Medical Active Care focus on patients of all ages.

There are 100 places at the BetaMed Medical Active Care, and only 25 are financed by the National Health Fund (NFZ). This is still not enough.

It's true. The subsidy we receive from the NFZ is very small, and that is why not many people are interested in this type of activity.

We signed the contract with the NFZ, but unfortunately the amount involved is very small.

We also have an assisted ventilation department for children, which is covered by the contract with the NFZ. We provide care to children requiring respiratory support who come from all parts of Poland. It is a good solution, because the patients can be placed here when their stay at intensive care units is not required. This means that a place becomes available at the intensive care units for patients who need it. We also have a similar department for adults. The patients’ families PM

have a choice here: they may either take the patients home, where we provide care, a respirator, a doctor, a nurse, and a physical therapist, or the patients may stay at our clinic, if their condition is serious.

I know that the well-being of patients is crucial. Quality is what matters to me. The clinic is equipped with mobile furniture and devices for handling disposable equipment.

We try to act in such a way that the patients do not feel that they are in a ward for elderly patients. We also have bought stateof-the-art equipment which supports the staff’s work, e.g. bathing facilities for patients, lifting devices, etc. Unfortunately, the costs are mostly covered from private resources. The NFZ subsidies are insufficient. This is due to the fact that the reimbursement rate is very low, and maintaining the appropriate care conditions and the employment of good staff is expensive. The rate we receive for typically private care, which is not subject to reimbursement, is also low.

We must create decent stay conditions to our patients. It is easy to create a bad institution where patients spend 24 hours in one nappy.

Unfortunately, such incidents do occur, because there are people who act unethically, and want to make easy money from the sick and the elderly.

Eliminating such situations is one of the challenges decision-makers are liable to face. You have not only graduated from doctoral studies in Economics, with the defence of your thesis still ahead of you, and from the MBA International and hold the MA degree in Management, but also from a two-year programme in geriatrics. What are the challenges related to seniors’ care?

BetaMed SA provides ongoing care services to around 5000 patients, under a contract with the NFZ. Demand is, of course, much greater than that. The number of elderly people is growing each year. The State must find solutions to this problem. New private initiatives like mine are being launched to help address this issue. Healthcare should be considered one of the most important priorities in the economy, and therefore more funds should be allocated for this purpose in Poland. In my opinion, if people pay taxes and health insurance contributions, they should have access to top-quality healthcare, which should also be much faster than today.

I believe that every patient over 65 should be diagnosed by a geriatrics specialist with a view to checking whether he or she is not taking too many medications and if there are no potential negative drug interactions.

PM

Following a proper diagnosis, patients should be able to choose the place of their further treatment. If they have no family, they should have proper social care provided. They should have easy access to geriatrics specialists who would be the ones to perform diagnoses on elderly persons. We need doctors specialising in treating patients over 65. We should bear in mind that the organisms of people this age react differently to the same medications, even if they have been taking them for many years. The main problem of elderly patients is the fact that they suffer from multiple diseases, and go to many specialists.

Every specialist prescribes a different medication. It is often the case that these patients experience symptoms which are not attributed to their diseases, but result from the interactions of the drugs they have been prescribed. That is why a geriatrics specialist is indispensable in such a situation. I think we should build more institutions providing care to elderly patients following diagnostics by a geriatrics specialist. Long-term live-in care combined with consultations by a geriatrics specialist would be an ideal solution.

BetaMed SA also has a range of preventive tests which can be performed in one place. Is preventive medicine a new trend?

Do preventive tests affect the economy?

BetaMed SA also has preventive tests in its portfolio. As is usually the case, the idea came as a response to a certain need. I always say that we care about our cars by having a vehicle inspection done once a year. Why don’t we take care of ourselves and our health? We are unwilling to have medical check-ups because we have no time, and we need to make appointments with several specialists in various parts of town, or wait in a queue. This should be done on the spot.

And this is how we do it at the Medical Active Care clinic. These check-ups are becoming increasingly popular. A lot of companies have decided to buy the packages we propose. They see a lot of benefits they can draw from them. Their employees are healthy, they don't take sick leaves, and thus drive the Polish economy. The medical tests support the prevention of various diseases, help eliminate their risk, and contribute to faster recovery. If these health issues are not convincing enough, the possibility of great savings to the State budget should be the reason.

PM

Beata Drzazga - a woman-institution.

What should I wish you?

Always: joy, health, energy, optimism, strength for further actions, and a lot of new fantastic people around me.

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TRAIL-BLAZING

CANCER SCREENING

A NATIONWIDE CANCER SCREENING PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO PREVENT POLAND FROM LOSING PLN 90 BILLION OUT OF ITS BUDGET WITHIN 20 YEARS

Cancer is the second most lethal disease in Poland. It is responsible for 24 % of all deaths. According to estimates, almost half of men and over a third of women will at one stage develop cancer. Specialists from the Warsaw Genomics team at the University of Warsaw argue that genetic screening can bring significant benefits not just to society, but also to the economy. According to a report drafted in conjunction with Deloitte, entitled "The answer is in the genes. The economic benefits of genetic screening as part of cancer prevention," a nationwide prevention campaign in the 2016-2035 period would help Poland avoid GDP losses of PLN 90.4 billion.

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T

he benefits of screening for cancer cannot be overestimated. First of all, cancer can be detected in early stages, at a time when it is easier to treat, thus reducing morbidity rates. In addition, some diagnostic methods, such as colonoscopy, can also prevent the onset of cancer by identifying and removing polyps in the large intestine. “These studies seem to be indispensable in Poland, where patients find out that they have cancer too late. Each patient should undergo regular examinations, such as colonoscopy, women should conduct smear tests, and undergo breast ultrasound and mammography. Unfortunately, the current plan of preventive examinations does not take into account the personal situation of a specific person, e.g. family history of cancer. An individual approach to the patient, including a plan of preventive measures consistent with the genetic load, will allow for more effective prevention for those who now die of cancer before they reach the recommended screening age,” says Prof. Mirosław Wielgoś, rector of the Warsaw Medical University.

The "Testing Genes" programme, developed at the University of Warsaw, not only enables cancer to be detected in its earliest stages, but it also reduces the risk of a person developing it. The study method developed by the Warsaw Genomics team covers 70 genes in total, while standard tests performed in Poland to determine the genetic risk of breast or ovarian cancer, focus on just a handful of points in several genes. Experts are able to determine whether a gene features an abnormality which increases the risk of developing cancer. In total, they are able to test for over 50,000 potential mutations. “We have conducted an economic analysis of how much it would cost to introduce the method developed by Warsaw Genomics as a screening test which would cover all of Polish society. The results have shown that genetic testing of the whole population makes sense. Having tested a sample of 20,000 people, we know that up to 1.5% of them are burdened with high-risk mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which primarily increase the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. These numbers are quoted by Myriad Genetics based on US studies. At the same time, it is now known that testing just the two genes is less viable than a screening programme that includes a larger number of potentially mutated genes. When we analyse 70 genes, we discover a mutation which increases the risk of cancer in 1 in 20 people,” says Prof. Krystian Jażdżewski, initiator of the “Testing Genes” programme.

Among those examined under the Testing Genes programme, over 1,000 known genetic abnormalities were detected, including more than 300 in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The Warsaw Genomics method makes it possible to detect 50% more carriers of high-risk breast or ovarian cancer. In other words, multigene screening prevents or allows early treatment of 2,400 breast cancer cases and 650 cases of ovarian cancer per 1 million people.

THE PRICE OF CANCER

Deloitte experts estimated the direct and indirect costs of treatment and care for patients with breast, prostate, ovarian and intestinal cancer in 2016, as well as forecast these costs until 2035 in two scenarios. One does not envisage any changes to the current state of affairs. The other scenario provides for a prevention programme based on a universal genetic test. Two types of costs were assessed: direct costs of prevention, diagnostics and treatment, as well as indirect costs, i.e. absence from work or lower productivity of patients and their caregivers, as well as the costs of premature deaths.

The introduction of a universal genetic screening programme encompassing the entire population would mean an increase in prevention costs by PLN 42.9 billion by 2035.

As a result, people with a higher risk of developing cancer would be referred for more frequent diagnostic tests to detect potential problems at an early stage. “Assuming that, among over 14 million people covered by the screening programme, those who prove to be in the high-risk group do not abandon regular tests, and that cancer is detected earlier than the current prevention system allows, this would mean savings on treatment costs of PLN 6.2 billion by 2035. That’s nearly as much as is annually spent on cancer care in Poland,” says Julia Patorska, leader of the Deloitte economic analysis team.

Analysing indirect costs, experts calculated that following the introduction of the "Testing Genes" programme, the cost of cancer patients’ absence from work would decrease from PLN 71 billion to PLN 60.7 billion, and the related cost of poor quality work would drop from PLN 89 billion to PLN 21 billion. The cost of premature deaths would decrease from PLN 23.3 billion to PLN 14.4 billion.

“The adopted gene testing method is unique and no other country has it as yet, which gives us a competitive advantage and the possibility to export the technology. Additional spending on universal genetic screening out of the national budget can contribute to the development of the biomedical industry in Poland,” adds Julia Patorska. A single Warsaw Genomics test costs PLN 599, rather than 6,000, which is the average European price, so it is ten times cheaper. This is due to the innovative method.

600 people are analysed in each round of the test. Looking for a mutation in one of them, information contained in the entire pool of samples is used.

POLAND LEADS THE WAY

“Two years ago, Deloitte was the first employer in Poland to launch the 'Testing Genes' programme, offering its employees an innovative method of genetic screening. Upon its completion, over half of our employees confirmed that this initiative increased their awareness of cancer prevention. This is very important, because the biggest and most acute cost of the disease is the one suffered by patients.

And here the role of prevention is priceless,” says Deloitte managing partner Marek Metrycki.

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READ-GENE SA is a company of innovative technologies.

One of major aims is to conduct studies on treatment and prevention of the most common malignant tumors.

Company’s innovative approach in oncology is based on the division of patients into sub-groups depending on clinics, genetic profile and micronutrients levels.

The company’s R&D Center is located in surroundings of Szczecin.

1500 women with average age of 55 years participated in study.

Almost 100 cases of cancers at different sites were discovered (half of cases were breast cancers) among 1100 women with higher blood arsenic concentration. There were no cancer cases in the group of 400 females with blood arsenic concentration below 0,6 µg/l.

Higher arsenic concentration in the environment and food is a result of industrial pollution and an effect of natural arsenic deposition.

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Cancer risk [OR]

A team of Polish scientists from READ-GENE SA R&D Center and Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin discovered for the first time very strong correlation between cancer risk in females and arsenic blood concentration.

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1 0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

Arsenic concentration in blood [µg/l]

The lower concentration of arsenic in blood is associated with the lower cancer risk in females

The presented results indicate that measurement of arsenic blood concentration is purposeful among all adult women.

More information: office@read-gene.com | www.read-gene.com

MEDICINE

DA VINCI – THE ART OF

TREATMENT AND THE FUTURE OF MODERN SURGERY At the Medicover Hospital in Warsaw, Paweł Salwa, MD, assisted by the da Vinci robot, has already performed 200 prostate-cancer surgeries. The robot ensures high precision in the procedure, and reduces the convalescence period. It also minimises the risk of complications, and alleviates postoperative pain.

“

The da Vinci robot system is truly ‘aerospace’ technology right there in the operating room, allowing highly precise surgical procedures. 10x or 20x magnification, and the use of miniaturised, 5-mm-long tools are all possible with this system. This means that we can remove the cancer with greater accuracy, while also achieving higher precision when dealing with tissues which must be kept intact,” says Paweł Salwa MD, head of urology at the Medicover Hospital.

In urology, the most common procedure is radical prostatectomy, i.e. the complete removal of the prostate. With the da Vinci system, it is possible to mitigate the side effects of such surgeries, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The operations are more precise than in the case of laparoscopic procedures, when simple, rigid tools must be inserted through small incisions in the skin, or classic operations with cuts into the skin and muscles.

“What counts for the patient, and for me, as the doctor, is three things. The frst is to remove the tumor completely. The second and third– is to improve the patient's quality of life. By this I mostly mean control over bladder function and sufficient erection for satisfying sexual intercourse , as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are known to often follow prostatectomy performed with classic or laparoscopic methods.. The precision required to meet these three criteria can only be delivered by the da Vinci robot controlled by an experienced surgeon, scientific publications define experienced surgeon as one who has independently performed at least 500 cases.” adds Dr. Salwa, who has operated over 1000 men with help of the da Vinci console.

Da Vinci supports four arms, two of which are equipped with surgical tools to represent the surgeon’s left and right hand. The third arm adds to the efficiency and capabilities of the robot, and the fourth gives control of the endoscopic camera. During the operation, the surgeon is not standing in front of the patient, but sitting at the console with a screen display. Observing the target site, he or she can move the robot’s arms as required, while also receiving information about the flexibility, pressure, and resistance of the tissues being operated on.

“The success of surgeries assisted by da Vinci depends heavily on the experience of the operator and the assisting team. The Medicover Hospital provides its patients with treatment options by Dr. Paweł Salwa, an expert in this field, who has already performed 1000 robot-assisted procedures,” says Anna Nipanicz-Szałkowska, Director of the Medicover Hospital.

For more on this topic, please go to www.urologia.medicover.pl.

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THE HOSPITAL SHOULD MAKE MONEY NO MATTER WHO OWNS IT Expert opinion by PROF. PAWEŁ BUSZMAN, President, American Heart of Poland Compiled by: Ewelina Zych-Myłek, health care communications expert

I

nstead of focusing on ideology concerning the ownership of hospitals, we should focus on practicalities, such as experience gathered at home and abroad, as well as objective ways of measuring the effectiveness of hospital management, also in terms of financial activities.

Regardless of whether a medical unit is public or private, it must earn money. Financial calculations are made for a hospital as a whole, and it is usually a large facility. Poland’s biggest hospitals have a budget of half a billion zlotys each, and yet they almost never decide to employ financial advisors. Instead, they just hire an accountant, and that's two different types of competences.

The difference between a good accountant and a financial advisor is the same as between a G.P. and a surgeon. These are two different fields of activity and one should take it into account when hiring staff. As a medical doctor, I grew up with the idea that we are supposed to save human life at any cost. But if we do not count costs, it will be impossible to create stable conditions for the operation of the hospital, which should provide the best possible care. If we leave the financial

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aspect aside, we will cure one patient, but for the next one hundred patients there will be no treatment options. Without healthy and stable financial prospects, the hospital will not be able to function. Thus we approach this situation from the medical and financial point of view, both in terms of a private and public hospital. The latter also needs to earn money to be self-sufficient and to develop. But what does a positive financial result mean? It shows that thanks to earning money, the hospital is able to invest in new technologies, the development of new branches of medicine, and to employ human resources.

A hospital which earns money is a safe place for patients that faces good development prospects. New technologies become outdated within a period of five years, so the hospital must have the money to upgrade them. If a hospital earns no profit it is unable to develop. Non-profit activities are a different story, all profits earned by an institution are reinvested in statutory activities. But let's not confuse "no profit" with "non-profit." I agree that some hospitals must be "non profit," but in any case, they need to make money, they cannot operate solely on a non-profit basis.

Regardless of whether a hospital is public or private, whether it operates on a non-profit or for-profit basis, it must show positive results, it must earn money and balance financial flows. Otherwise, it will fall into disrepair, and taxpayers, that is us, will need to sink more and more money into it to maintain its day-to-day operations. Treatment in such a hospital will become much more expensive than in a private hospital with a balanced account.

When it comes to health care, policy makers should set the cost of medical procedures in such a way that a hospital is able to use the money to upgrade its infrastructure and provide good value for patients and society. The fact that hospitals cannibalise their own resources, forcing the Ministry of Health and National Health Fund to pay for repairs, equipment and wages of the nursing personnel (and for the moment, also for doctors,) shows that price tags set on hospital procedures are very low. A well-balanced medical business is sustainable and able to develop in the long run, thus providing citizens with safe medical care tailored to soci• ety’s needs.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care Early prevention of cardiovascular lesions is what we call modern medicine. Let’s be modern, let’s follow this trend and let’s live for a long time in good health and happiness.

Call us 801 502 302

MEDICINE

OUR GOAL

TO INCREASE THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET JAN KRUK, President of CF Cefarm SA

A

s the president of CF Cefarm, my goal has been to double the company’s turnover since taking the position in 2016. We are already on the right path, as in 2017 we reached a 17% increase in sales and in 2018 an increase of about 6%. The company also managed to improve financial liquidity in an excellent manner and at the moment we are self-sufficient.

I took up the function as president of the management board when CF Cefarm was having a hard time. We started counting money meticulously, both on the side of revenues and costs. The continuation of the trend developed over 2017, namely high-margin sales to pharmacy customers, is an overriding and priority task when it comes to our company’s vision. We focus our efforts on reaching the highest sales volume. The profit margin earned on pharmaceutical distribution is the result of the activity of many units in the CF Cefarm structure. Spots where we strive for earning a profit margin are located in purchasing and sales processes.

The next goal set is to increase our share in the pharmaceutical market 1.5-fold over the period of five years. Achieving a positive financial result is a strategy in each year of our business activity.

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CF Cefarm is one of the most experienced distribution companies on the pharmaceutical market. The stateowned Company’s history dates back to 1945. For over 70 years CF Cefarm has established strong business relations with suppliers of medicinal products, dietary supplements, medical goods, foods for special medical purposes and cosmetics. We handle three distribution channels, each of which has its own nature, requirements and rules of functioning. The CF Cefarm turnover is divided into the pharmacy market, pre-wholesale market and hospital market. We have also developed comprehensive logistic services for manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, marketing authorization holders, parallel importers and clinical studies sponsors.

CF Cefarm intends to maintain the development tendency on the pharmacy market which is the biggest one of the sector. Each of the three supported distribution channels is strategic for us. It should be remembered that it is pharmacies that are key to the supplier and the manufacturer at the end of the day. The pharmacy segment is the one most monitored by the manufacturers. And we are trustworthy.

•

CLINIC,

BEAUTY & RESEARCH EXPAND REAL POSSIBILITIES

MEDICINE

WE TREAT PEOPLE FOR AGING “An overwhelming majority of Polish women start visiting aesthetic medicine clinics only after they have turned 40,” says BARBARA JERSCHINA, MD, LuxMed Group. She tells “Polish Market” that aging is a disease, which needs to be prevented and treated.

The queue to your surgery is longer than to an internist seeing patients with flu symptoms. Why are there such crowds in Polish aesthetic medicine clinics?

Polish women want to be beautiful. They have always liked to take care over their appearance. In the past, when Poland was a communist country and there was a shortage of fabrics on the market, Polish women knew how to make a dress out of anything and look wonderful. However, aesthetic medicine was not as easy to substitute for. So not all of us looked well-groomed. But times have changed and aesthetic medicine developed further. We can now prolong the prime of our life and reverse the clock, even if we have somewhat neglected our daily care of ourselves. This happens quite often because after pregnancy we do not always have time to immediately take care of our belly, sometimes we lack money and we have to devote our time to children.

As a result, it is only between 40 and 50 years of age that women start to do something about their appearance. They decide to have treatments so as to look good on a beach, in a bikini and in bed with their husband. They want to feel free, they want to be beautiful. They have always wanted to be so.

PM

PM

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You said that in the past Polish women had made clothes for themselves out of anything. Scarlett O’Hara used curtains to sew a beautiful dress for herself and she looked

great. Perhaps one just needs to use a good cream to look good?

Creams are used mainly for protective care, for example as protection against the sun. One should remember that our skin absorbs no more than 2% of what we put on it. Of course some people, perhaps because of laziness or for the sake of saving, would like everything that they put on their face to be absorbed into the body deep down to the muscles.

But this would likely result in a sudden death. Preparations for daily use are not intended to get deep into the body and have contact with blood. Our skin is a protective barrier, which does not let harmful substances in. And that’s good, especially as we inhale pollutants and bacteria through our respiratory system.

But some producers try to convince us that their creams act very deep inside the skin.

That’s not true, although of course moisturising and nourishing the skin is necessary. For home therapies we recommend cleansing cosmetics, delicate peeling creams, sun creams, and a delicate make-up in summer to protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation. The rest is just marketing.

Hundreds of thousands of people work to convince us about something. It is difficult to resist it. The same is the case with clothes, buying things we do not need and excessive buying.

PM

MEDICINE

Some people buy microdermabrasion devices for home use. Are such treatments safe?

If done in the wrong way, dermabrasion damages the lipid layer and may cause deep discoloration, capillary ruptures, chronic erythema and other skin problems.

PM

What treatment should a person visiting an aesthetic medicine clinic for the first time choose?

The first visit should begin with cleansing the skin with the use of professional equipment. Then, we can fill skin and bone losses. We perform such treatments as Geneo, Silc Peel and Hydrofacial Aquapure. We use special exfoliating tips. Depending on the need, we apply vitamin capsules and masks on the skin. All the vitamin preparations we use have been tested and do not cause any reactions. It is worth stressing that the deep cleansing of the skin is actually a medical treatment, which helps with problems associated with acne, dry skin and consequences of hot weather.

PM

What is now the number-one trend in aesthetic medicine?

Following aesthetic medicine treatments patients should look naturally and it should be hard to tell whether their appearance is a result of the treatments or whether they have simply been born beautiful. This is not so easy and requires taking care of the patient for many years. It’s like a beautiful shoe: it seems to us that its design is simple, but if we had to make the shoe by ourselves it would turn out to be extremely difficult.

PM

In many cases, this natural look is hard to find. Is it a result of mistakes?

If the face is filled too much and swelled it means that someone has failed to do a good job. There are many people who have a distorted perception of themselves.

It is usually easy to talk such persons into choosing an inappropriate treatment.

PM

What can one tell a beautiful woman who insists on having an unnecessary treatment, which will do her more harm than good?

I try to teach people common sense. If that doesn’t help I try to do the job in such a way that the patient still looks good. Those whom I refuse an unnecessary treatment probably look for physicians who will meet their need for change. And you can certainly PM

find such physicians. Money can do everything. I was once visited by a patient from America. He had a fine line near his eye and insisted on it being filled. I said such things are not done. Of course, he went to someone else. The result was two swelled bags under his eyes, bags which made his eyes almost invisible. He came back to me.

I asked: “Are you satisfied?” He answered: “Well, I no longer have the fine line.” I made no further comment because it wouldn’t have been polite, but the patient did not look good. What is more, fillers applied unnecessarily may cause long-term problems with swelling.

You mentioned the American patient.

Are there many foreign clients in Poland?

For sure, there are many of them in cities close to Polish borders, but I do not have exact statistics. However, there is two-way tourism in aesthetic medicine. If a Polish patient finds a cheaper but equally good service in, say, the Czech republic or Lithuania, and the distance from their home to the clinic is similar, they will probably choose the foreign specialist. Just as is the case with German patients choosing Polish doctors.

PM

What do people know about aesthetic medicine? Do they confuse it with plastic surgery? What mistakes do they make?

They confuse various things, even botulinum toxin with hyaluronic acid. I have encountered, even in quite good magazines, articles not checked by a physician whose authors confused botulinum toxin with hyaluronic acid. It’s like confusing a Ferrari with Fiat. Both are cars, both begin with the letter F, but are not the same thing.

Aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery are two separate branches of medicine. Plastic surgery includes reconstructive surgery, which means that plastic surgeons first learn how to perform post-traumatic reconstructions. Of course, there is also aesthetic plastic surgery, which is most often confused with aesthetic medicine. Aesthetic plastic surgery deals, for example, with breast procedures and the lifting of droopy eyelids, which can make it difficult to apply make-up or can even disrupt vision.

PM

Can aesthetic medicine bring any health benefits?

Aesthetic medicine is beneficial in cancer prevention because aging skin is more prone to lesions, caused for example by PM

“

AESTHETIC MEDICINE AND PLASTIC SURGERY ARE TWO SEPARATE BRANCHES OF MEDICINE.

ultraviolet light. Ruptured capillaries may also have negative consequences. Untreated small lesions may lead to ruptured capillaries, rosacea, vascular inflammations and discolorations, which may turn into more or less malignant skin cancers. Ultimately, they will have to be excised, but it is not a task for aesthetic medicine.

And what about lasers? What are they for?

Lasers can even be used to cut glass so why not use them to cut skin. Everything depends on the type of laser and tip used.

There are lasers intended for aesthetic gynaecology and lasers for skin peeling treatments. They are used to reduce discoloration and thickening, and to generally improve the condition of the skin.

The Aerolase, which can be used in summer, is a novelty. It is a new-generation neodymium-YAG laser. It can be used to treat many diseases, like rosacea, acne, various vascular lesions, discolorations, erythema, ruptured capillaries. We also have equipment which, based on ultrasound or radio frequency, delivers heat to tissues at various depths to cause coagulation and regenerate and tighten the skin.

PM

What would you like to tell people who avoid visits to aesthetic medicine clinics and say that they prefer to age with dignity?

Our generation is the first one which has access to medical procedures which may slow down aging processes and to some extent reverse the clock so that we can enjoy life more. As aesthetic medicine specialists, we see aging as a disease, although geriatricians do not quite agree with us. And having concluded that aging is a disease, we encourage people to take prophylactic measures and when time comes we want to treat them for aging • PM

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MEDICINE

MORE than

COSMETICS BEATA SMOGORZEWSKA talks to “Polish Market” about her experience with Lavylites products.

Lavylites is a Hungarian company which is more and more boldly entering the European market…

Tibor Jakabovics - chemist, researcher and specialist in the field of nanotechnology, proved his above-average abilities already as a pupil. He bravely and passionately experimented and sought new solutions in the field of chemistry. A child's passion has developed into a life’s mission. As a conscious and experienced chemist, expert in nature and the micro-world, at the request of a pharmaceutical company he undertook to develop an effective drug to prevent transplant rejections, for example after extensive skin burns. He succeeded in introducing a very effective new drug to the market. At the same time, this marked a breakthrough in his personal life and career as a scientist. The result of this breakthrough is the company Lavylites which he founded, and which made its debut on the Polish market in 2015.

PM

How come the company’s new age cosmetics are rooted in research on ways of preventing skin graft rejection?

In the course of his trail-blazing research, he discovered a phenomenon which went far beyond his original assumptions. He discovered a unique, organic carrier the size of a nanometre. During many years of studies, he managed to combine his discovery with knowledge about the properties of plants, minerals and precious metals and their health-promoting effects on living organisms. Lavylites cosmetics use the power of nature in the form of bioinformation, or a scanned wave with a frequency appropriate for a given element.

This bioinformation applied to the nanocarrier is delivered to even the tiniest cells in the body PM

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and activates self-healing processes. Bioinformation is derived from over 250 natural ingredients in the form of what are known as energy scans. Thanks to the extraordinary physical properties of these preparations, the body undergoes natural self-healing processes which owe their success to this unique technology.

And in layman’s terms…

During one of his trips to the Amazon forest, Tibor Jakabovics fell seriously ill. He was on the verge of dying and was rescued by the natives without the use of conventional medicine. They used their knowledge about the plant world.

The simplest herbal medicine and phytotherapy saved Tibor’s life. Then they shared their knowledge with him. It was such an amazing and important experience that he decided to acquire knowledge which would complement what he already knew about nature, to use it to help others activate self-healing processes. The key is that cells themselves know what they need and what they lack to function properly. From among the many active ingredients of Lavylites, they draw what is needed at the moment and the rest is excreted from the body. The basic ingredients like herbs and minerals are carefully selected and subjected to stringent tests. Among the ingredients of these preparations there are no synthetic chemicals. Those using Lavylites experience no side effects. The products do not interfere with any medication or any other treatments. Most preparations are in the form of a spray, which means that the energy contained in the preparation is instantly absorbed exactly where it is needed. They can be sprayed into the air or directly onto human or animal skin. Bioinformation simply penetrates the skin and regenerates the body from the inside.

PM

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LAVYLITES COSMETICS USE THE POWER OF NATURE IN THE FORM OF BIOINFORMATION, OR A SCANNED WAVE WITH A FREQUENCY APPROPRIATE FOR A GIVEN ELEMENT."

So you have been able to develop a product which suits the needs of both people and animals?

That’s right. Many products are designed for people and animals. The preparation works on all living organisms. We have a huge amount of experience regarding pet and farm animals.

Animals often respond more quickly to the preparation than their owners. It may be because you cannot expect a placebo effect in animals, but also because pets are usually given far fewer antibiotics and, consequently, their organisms are less chemically blocked than the human body.

PM

What about doctors? Do they recommend these cosmetics?

So far, energy medicine is not part of conventional medical studies. Conversations about chakras and meridians are now more frequently heard in natural medicine clinics rather than PM

MEDICINE at a GP’s surgery. Fortunately, this is changing. There is a large group of doctors who, apart from attending a medical university, also seek knowledge about traditional Chinese medicine. After all, it is thousands of years old and approaches the body holistically, not as a collection of independent organs. These doctors recommend our preparations, no matter where they are.

Who buys your products, who do you see as your target group?

In response to the growing awareness of threats which stem from environmental pollution, ubiquitous chemicals, and the growing trend towards nature and ecology, the company is making its preparations available to the PM

widest possible group of customers. Currently, the number of registered users in the Lavylites system is over 150,000. The Lavylites distribution network is already developing in seventeen countries, and some preparations have also been introduced in a few other countries.

For some, it is a way to improve their general well-being, for others it is another attempt to recover their health. In principle, promotion is based on publicising the growing body of examples of what we call "positive side effects" of using these cosmetics. There are more and more of these.

Where are Lavylites products mostly sold?

Currently, the biggest market is Germany, most likely for demographic reasons and PM

because of its high purchasing power, but consumer structures are growing in such countries as Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Poland. Recently, all EU markets have been targeted. It is very important for the company’s sustainable development that we constantly receive inquiries and orders from the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia, as well as South and West Africa and South America. • You can read the entire interview in Polish on the www.polishmarket.com.pl website.

Independent sales representative : Beata Smogorzewska 501-310-417 More information: www.lavylites.com, id 151621 necessary to log in and the www.bestenergy4life.com information website

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REGIONS

THE 5TH EUROPEAN CONGRESS

REGIONS

OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PRESENT CHALLENGES AND TASKS FOR THE FUTURE For two days, on April 8 and 9, the southern Polish city of Kraków was a capital for local government. In keeping with the motto of this year’s Congress - “Local Government – Together for the Future” – there was much discussion on such issues as sources for financing the development of Polish regions, smart solutions, cross-border cooperation, the creation of favourable conditions for investment, development of higher education responding to the needs of the labour market, and matters related to culture and the promotion of little homelands. Some summing-up was done after the first year in office of new local authorities, especially in view of the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament in May and Polish parliamentary elections in autumn. It was for the 5th time that Kraków hosted the most important politicians, local government members, business people and local leaders from across Europe.

“

Good cooperation between central and local government, and between local government and business can contribute to improving the living standards of Polish people,” said Zygmunt Berdychowski, Head of the Programme Council of the Economic Forum in Krynica and initiator of Kraków’s conference.

MEETING SPACE

Around 2,300 participants from almost 40 countries, including more than 100 journalists, took part in the 5th European Congress of Local Governments. The programme of the Congress was composed of 80 events: thematic blocks, panel discussions, workshops, lectures, presentations and talks in the “success stories” series. As usual, the discussions were divided into individual thematic areas: finance, society, innovation, economy, environment, good practices and health.

Among those present at the Congress were Olgierd Geblewicz, Marshal of Zachodniopomorskie province, Chairman of the Union of the Provinces of the Republic of Poland; Marek Woźniak, Marshal of Wielkopolskie province, head of the Polish delegation

to the European Committee of the Regions, Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions; Cezary Przybylski, Marshal of Dolnośląskie province; Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of Podkarpackie province; Elżbieta Anna Polak, Marshal of Lubuskie province; Jacek Majchrowski, Mayor of Kraków; Paweł Rabiej, deputy Mayor of Warsaw; Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź; Bogdan Wenta, Mayor of Kielce; Piotr Grzymowicz, Mayor of Olsztyn; Wojciech Szczurek, Mayor of Gdynia; Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of Lublin; Zygmunt Frankiewicz, Mayor of Gliwice, President of the Association of Polish Cities; Piotr Ćwik, Governor of Małopolskie province; and Witold Kozłowski, Marshal of Małopolskie province.

Also present were central government officials: Beata Szydło, deputy Prime Minister, head of the Government’s Social Committee; Andrzej Adamczyk, Minister of Infrastructure; Łukasz Szumowski, Minister of Health; and Zdzisław Krasnodębski, Vice-President of the European Parliament.

The number of foreign participants is growing every year. The 5th Congress was attended by Risto Poutiainen, Governor of North Karelia (Finland); Guillermo Ramirez

Martin, Secretary General of the Association of European Border Regions (Germany); Eva Hallström, councillor of Varmländ (Sweden) and head of the Working Group on Energy and Climate Change at the Assembly of European Regions; Tautvydas Tamulevičius, deputy Minister of Internal Affairs (Lithuania); Jose Ignacio Sanchez Amor, Secretary of State for Territorial Policy (Spain); Emil Boc, Prime Minister (2008-2012), Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Irakli Kadagishvili, Governor of Kakheti (Georgia); Martin Zeil, Partner, SLB Kloepper Rechtsanwälte, former Minister of the Economy of Bavaria (Germany); and Francesco Tufarelli, Director General of the Office for Regional Affairs and Autonomies, Office of the Prime Minister (Italy).

An important event at the Congress was the presentation of the 2nd Financial Ranking of Polish Local Governments. It was compiled on the initiative of the Institute for Eastern Studies, the organiser of the Congress, by experts of the University of Economics in Kraków under the leadership of Prof. Krzysztof Surówka, the university’s pro-rector for teaching and student affairs. The authors of the report audited the finances of local 4/2019 69 polish polish market market 69

REGIONS governments, focusing on their own revenue, investment expenditure and EU funding acquired for their projects. Based on uniform criteria applied to each of the audited local governments in Poland, they identified the best of them.

At last year’s Congress, much attention was devoted to the need to make legislative changes to broaden the powers of local governments and change relations between the state and local government. This year, the Congress was an opportunity to try and answer the question to what extent these efforts have been successful, especially in confrontation with the recent teachers’ protests and the on-going discussion about the Polish education system.

AWARDS OF THE 5TH CONGRESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

The first day of the Congress ended with an official gala at which as many as 12 awards were presented to local authorities. The orchestra of the Zabrze Philharmonic under Sławomir Orzechowski added splendour to the evening.

Two awards were granted to winners of the 2nd Financial Ranking of Polish Local Governments. Mayor of Podkowa Leśna Artur Tusiński collected a certificate of distinction from deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs Beata Szydło. Podkowa Leśna turned out the best in the category of urban communes.

Poznań County Head Jan Grabkowski collected the award for the best county. The award was presented to him by Rafał Kiliński, President of TUW Polski Zakład Ubezpieczeń Wzajemnych, and Prof. Andrzej Chochół, Rector of the University of Economics in Kraków.

Another category of prizes granted at the gala was the Golden Key awards of the “Wprost” weekly. They went to the Mayors of Kraków and Gliwice: Jacek Majchrowski and Zygmunt Frankiewicz. There were also awards for medical firms. On the basis of financial data and a public opinion survey, the advisory firm Acropolis, Forbes Polska and the Market and Social Research Institute (IBRIS) had compiled the Golden List of Polish Health.

It is a list of the most important healthcare brands. The partner of the project was the Polish Association of Pharmaceutical Industry Employers. LuxMed topped the league table. On its behalf the award was collected by Bartosz Kapczyński, member of the Board at LuxMed. The remaining awards went to Krzysztof Kępiński, member of the Board at GlaxoSmithKline; Karol Piasecki, Vice-President of Dr. Max; Adam Błażeczek, Financial Director at Gemini Polska; Anna RobakReczek of Polfa Warszawa; and Agnieszka Lubkowska, Production Director at TEVA. The winners received certificates confirming

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their place in the league table from Katarzyna Dubno, Vice-President of the Polish Association of Pharmaceutical Industry Employers. Finally, time came for the special Award of the City of Kraków on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL). It was presented by Mayor of Kraków Jacek Majchrowski to President of the Association Piotr Dziwok.

LARGE CITIES IN FOCUS

In a globalised world, powerful cities want to call the political shots. They unite in networks and enter big diplomacy. Metropolises can thrive in the era of globalisation, but this requires well-thought-out cooperation and wise alliances - these are the conclusions of the plenary session “The Role of Cities in Big Politics” held on the first day of the Congress. The panellists – from France, Romania and Poland – focused on opportunities for cities from building networks of connections. This produces economies of scale, which may turn even small municipalities into important partners for governments.

“We do not need to reinvent the wheel. We should first of all take care to build partnerships among cities and jointly solve the problems we share, such as migration and security. This helps in sharing experiences and working for the residents,” said Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca and former Romanian prime minister. He added that, in the process of developing and catching up, cities in former communist countries have a chance to avoid mistakes made earlier in the West.

“I think that the less the central government interferes in local affairs, the better,” said Polish Senator Grzegorz Napieralski. Mayor of Kraków Jacek Majchrowski expressed the same opinion.

STRONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS THE FOUNDATION OF DEMOCRACY

Local governments are facing increasingly difficult tasks and the crisis of Western democracy is not helping them. People increasingly want strong central authorities. The demand to fight to restore faith in politics was voiced during the debate held by participants in the final plenary session of the Congress.

The theme of the session was “Strong local government as the foundation of democracy.” The participants deliberated in particular on the problem of decentralisation and its importance in the political climate of recent years. Antoine Godbert, a delegate of the City Council for European Affairs in Tours, France, referred to “yellow vest” protests, which have rocked France since the autumn of last year. “It is the local authority that bears

Beata Szydło, deputy Prime Minister, head of the Government’s Social Committee

Mayor of Kraków Jacek Majchrowski

“

“I THINK THAT THE LESS THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT INTERFERES IN LOCAL AFFAIRS, THE BETTER.”

responsibility for talking to dissatisfied people. We are the first line of contact with citizens,” he said. In his view, a response to the present crisis of democracy should come from all tiers of authority: from local to European.

Former Bavarian Minister of the Economy Martin Zeil spoke in a similar vein. He pointed out that political forces using nationalistic rhetoric may not only prevent Europe’s continued integration, but also lead to increasing centralisation of authority. “Restoring faith in politics at European level and in the idea of social justice should be a response to this situation,” he said. Prof. Zdzisław Krasnodębski brought a Polish perspective to the debate.

“Social divisions when it comes to opinions do not coincide with the borders of provinces,” he said. In his view, some level of decentralisation is necessary in the democratic system because otherwise the authority concentrated in the capital of the country may • lean towards authoritarianism.

Source: Congress – „Local Government – Together for the Future”

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CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

MEETING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS MARCIN PAMFIL, President of Termy Uniejów, interviewed by Ewelina Janczylik-Foryś, invites everyone to come to Uniejów and enjoy the newest water activities and a luxurious hotel complex.

Please tell us how it feels to run the youngest and yet the most recognisable health resort in Poland. While many other facilities of this kind are ceasing to operate, the Termy Uniejów complex seems to be going from strength to strength.

Uniejów was granted health-resort status in 2012, having become famous for its geothermal waters, extracted from a depth of over 2 km.

For the sake of clarity, the Uniejów health resort is managed by the Mayor of Uniejów, whereas I am in charge of the largest facility in the town, which is home to Termy Uniejów. It is worth noting that the facility, with its healing brines, has been operating since 2008.

PM

I see. Nevertheless, many people identify Termy Uniejów with Uniejów itself, which makes the facility recognisable and quite strongly promoted.

I am pleased to hear that we are the most recognisable. Indeed, it has proved necessary to intensify our promotional efforts in order to be able to compete with such health resorts as Krynica Morska and Krynica Zdrój, which earned recognition among visitors many years ago. They have long-standing traditions, and their brands have become deeply rooted in society. Given the fact that, as I've already said, Uniejów became a health resort in 2012, we have had to use our best endeavours to earn our place on the Polish health-resort map. As we wanted to narrow the gap between ourselves and them, intensive publicity measures were vital. But they have already borne fruit.

is growing year by year, and the range of water activities has also increased since 2012. Of note is the fact that the Termy Uniejów complex is currently being visited by over 500,000 people annually.

You mean as of today, but the swimmingpool complex is now being expanded.

Yes, the upcoming summer season will see the opening of a new swimming-pool section.

Planned to be opened around 20 June, it will provide a total water-surface area of 1,100 m2.

The entire facility will thus be expanded by nearly two-thirds, as to date the water-surface area has been 1,600 m2. With the new addition, it will increase to 2,700 m2.

PM

PM

Yes, you have achieved the desirable effect.

Progress is still being made. The number of people visiting the swimming-pool complex PM

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Could you please tell us why you've decided to open another pool if those already operating have attracted so many people?

The new swimming-pool section will allow us to diversify our portfolio and accommodate twice as many people. The facility can now accommodate around 900 people, and this number will soar to as many as 1,800. This should reduce or completely eliminate queues. We will also be able to make more effective use of the healing properties of water by providing the appropriate devices, including bunks and benches to enjoy air massage, facilities for neck massage, and wall-mounted jet massage with air-sucking functions, water cascades, geysers, and the like. There will also be more highlights for the youngsters. The older swimming-pool section will feature a new pool with facilities for children, including a 400 m2 water castle, the construction of which is in line with the expectations voiced by our visitors, who have wished for such a project to be made.

PM

Is the 20 June deadline going to be met? Is there any risk of the construction works’ disturbing the users of the currently available pools, or will their functioning be uninterrupted?

Things are proceeding as planned. The work is being conducted so as to not affect the functioning of the currently available pools. So the users can freely enjoy their time there.

PM

It seems you keep on going. Uniejów will soon become not just a health resort but also a convenient venue for business meetings, conferences, training sessions, and teambuilding events.

Along with the expanding of the swimming-pool complex, a four-star Termy Uniejów Aparthotel is being constructed. The services you've just mentioned have already been provided here, but in two smaller accommodation facilities. To date we have been able to provide three-star accommodation for some 100 people. Once the Aparthotel is launched, this number will multiply.

PM

In one of your interviews you mentioned that Uniejów lacked a large facility which could accommodate as many as 400 guests.

Could this negatively affect tourism? Is this the reason for constructing the Termy Uniejów Aparthotel?

Indeed. The Aparthotel construction will completely change the scale of our activities, as we will be able to invite large business groups. I generally think that there is a considerable demand for new accommodation facilities in Uniejów, and, well, much is yet to be done in this field. As the towns which have functioned as tourist resorts for PM

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

“

UNIEJÓW BECAME A HEALTH RESORT IN 2012, WE HAVE HAD TO USE OUR BEST ENDEAVOURS TO EARN OUR PLACE ON THE POLISH HEALTH-RESORT MAP."

major business events and meetings, special occasions, and team-building events.

The Termy Uniejów Aparthotel will be ready for use in August 2019. Have any reservations been already made?

Yes. The first events and meetings – let’s call them commercial – have already been scheduled for August, September, and October, and I hope there will be more. A booking system for individual guests will be launched in May. PM

decades have continually developed their tourist infrastructure, we now need to take care of that in a much shorter time span if we want to gain a competitive edge. Let us take Szczyrk as an example. This town, inhabited by 5,000 people, now provides 15,000 beds for visitors. With 3,000 residents, Uniejów does not even have 3,000 beds. The shortage of lodging places translates into the type of tourist stays. If there are sufficient accommodation options, visitors are more likely to make their stay longer; otherwise, they will just pay one-day visits. The latter is mostly the case in Uniejów. So, constructing a hotel with 400 beds will definitely impact on tourism.

Can you please give us more detail about the Aparthotel?

This four-star accommodation facility is now being built within an area of 1.5 hectares, situated in the most attractive part of the health resort, along with a 745 m2 conference centre. This will be the first ultra-modern and multi-functional complex located in the immediate neighbourhood of the thermal swimming pools. The project cost has exceeded PLN 65 million. The complex will feature two five-storey buildings, the first of which will accommodate an atmospheric restaurant for nearly 200 people, and four modern and fully-equipped conference rooms with space for up to 400 people. The second building will comprise 172 suites and a recreational section with a swimming pool, a relaxing Spa zone, a sauna and fitness centre, and a free and secure car park. Considering all these features, the complex will be an excellent location for PM

Let’s speak about the business model which makes the complex unique. The Aparthotel investment is being financed jointly by the Termy Uniejów Public Utilities Department and by private investors.

Who are the latter – natural persons or corporate bodies?

Both natural persons and private businesses, including small and large enterprises, such as King Cross. There is a wide range of investors. When it comes to the business model, it is the Termy Uniejów Public Utilities Department which acts as the project-management body. We have also gained experience in managing real-estate investments.

PM

PM

As you have said, anyone can become an investor, but the ownership rights appear rather restricted. For instance, if I were to purchase a suite, with Termy Uniejów acting as the manager, several questions would certainly arise. What is the price for 1 square metre? Which rooms are available?

What is my profit? Is the profit independent of the booked room? Is the room rental the only issue which is taken into consideration while determining the profit, or does the conference organisation also come into play? And, finally, could I, as the owner, use the premises at any time?

Let me address your questions one by one.

The ownership right is not restricted. The agreement provides that, in order to achieve a certain profit, we must be allowed to manage the property and rent the hotel rooms.

Suites could be bought for the price of PLN 9,000 per square metre. This means that the smallest premises can be bought for a price only slightly exceeding PLN 200,000 net. The purchaser, whether a natural person or a business person, could deduct VAT at the rate of 23% on the purchase price. Let me just point out that all the premises have already been sold.

Termy Uniejów, acting as the project-management company, will deal with the complex’s operation, as well as guest-room and conference-room rental. The owners will be able to stay in their premises free of charge, as long as they book in advance.

What’s more, the purchasers can count on a yearly profit of 7-7.5% on their capital, i.e. on the purchase price. Of note is the fact that the profit is paid regardless of the occupancy rate of the premises. By taking into consideration the entire generated profit, we mean both the room rental and the organisation of accompanying events. The complex is expected to generate enough revenues to cover the running costs and profit-payment costs.

Are you planning further extensions and investments, along with the Termy Uniejów Aparthotel?

This is a difficult question, and we are now rather cautious. We will see whether the Aparthotel proves efficient, and how it will operate commercially. If what we are expecting actually comes true, we will probably consider further extensions and investment projects.

I hope it will go that way, but it is the market • which will establish that.

PM

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REGIONS

BARLINEK IT MOVES ME!

Anna Wesecka

B

arlinek is a town situated in the southern part of the Zachodniopomorskie Province, north-western Poland, with a history dating back to 1278. In the past, this well-known and popular resort was known as “the Pearl of New March”, and has retained the character of a tourist town ever since.

The town is located within the Barlinecko-Gorzowski Landscape Park, in the vicinity of the Płonia River Valley, also called the “Bieszczady Mountains of Barlinek”.

Emanuel Lasker, world-class chess master, philosopher, mathematician, and the unquestionable ruler of the chess world for 27 years, was born here in 1868.

In addition to numerous hotels and guest houses, Barlinek has a broad food establishment base, and offers a wide range of leisure activities.

Barlinek is an exceptional place on the map of Poland, as it can astonish every tourist, not only with the enchanting beauty of its lakes and the surrounding nature, but also with the multitude of attractions. We invite our guests to take part in the Barlinek Days, featuring the Queen of the Barlinecka Forest Competition, the Polish Nordic Walking Championship, the All-Polish Sailing Regatta, and many other events.

Enthusiasts of spending their free time actively will enjoy such attractions as cruises on the lake, angling, tennis, or bowling. Over 250 km of trails have been prepared for tourists to admire the beauty of the town and the surrounding area. Cycle paths, pedestrian routes, waterways, town routes, and, of course, 7 Nordic Walking routes, are available for tourists visiting the Barlinecka Forest, who can also travel along the Adventure Trail around the Barlineckie Lake.

Hunting enthusiasts coming to the Barlinecka Forest are guaranteed a multitude of experiences, and excellent trophies. People who are passionate about cultural heritage and history are welcome to visit the Regional Museum in Barlinek, and the Museum of the Oflag Woldenberg Prisoners and Countryside in Dziedzice, where they can learn about the intriguing history of our land.

You are welcome to visit Barlinek!

AREAS FOR INVESTMENT PROJECTS – OKRĘTOWA STREET The area is situated in the southern part of the Zachodniopomorskie Province, in Barlinek, on Okrętowa Street.

The area is characterised by excellent accessibility via two province roads – nos. 151 and 156 – leading to the S3 expressway (within a 27-km distance), and the A2 motorway (within a 125-km distance).

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The area is located near large urban centres, i.e. Gorzów Wielkopolski (35 km away), Szczecin (80 km), Poznań (160 km), and Berlin (165 km).

The companies operating in close vicinity to the area include Barlinek Inwestycje Sp. z o.o., Gaspol S.A., INT. Production JCS Sp. z o.o., Silikaty Barlinek, and VEGA Przedsiębiorstwo PPHU. The area is covered by the Local Land Development Plan adopted under Resolution No. XLII/603/2009 of the Barlinek Town Council dated 25 June 2009 (http://gmina.barlinek.sisco.info/?id=4209), and is intended for production and storage purposes, including manufacturing buildings with office premises, storage premises and warehouses, and commercial development.

The area of approx. 11 ha consists of the parcels of land registered under nos. 123/4, 123/6, 123/8, 123/12, 140/2, 142, 145, 146/1, 146/2, 146/3, 339/1, 339/2 and 400, within the Barlinek 1 cadastral district. It is possible to expand the said area beyond the aforementioned parcels of land by including other real properties which are covered by the local land development plan, and are intended for commercial and industrial developmnet. They cover an area of approx. 30 ha. The land belongs to private owners.

An internal road was built within the area in 2018, and full availability of utilities was provided (including the water supply and sewerage systems, and street lighting). Further road sections serving the areas are currently under construction.

REGIONS

BARLINEK, JEZIORNA STREET – STARY TARTAK (THE OLD SAWMILL) An attractive real property intended for recreation and tourism, and hotel and guest-house operations – former sawmill areas.

This real property is situated within the most beautiful landscape area of western Poland, near the picturesque Barlineckie Lake.

The area is characterised by excellent accessibility via two province roads – nos. 151 and 156 – leading to the S3 expressway (within a 27-km distance), and the A2 motorway (within a 125-km distance of Barlinek).

The area is located near large urban centres, i.e. Gorzów Wielkopolski (35 km away), Szczecin (80 km), Poznań (160 km) and Berlin (165 km).

The area is covered by the Local Land Development Plan adopted under Resolution No. LV/461/2018 of the Barlinek Town Council dated 28 June 2018 (http://gmina.barlinek.sisco.info/?id=12478), and is intended for tourism purposes. The provisions of the local development plan leave space for flexibility and freedom in the field of dividing and adapting the size of a given real property to the scope of the investment projects being planned. The total area is 7.4700 ha. The real property includes parcels of land registered under nos. 243/34, 243/36 and 243/42, within the Barlinek 2 cadastral district. It is possible to divide the real property into smaller parcels of land, according to investors’ requirements.

The Barlinek Commune is the owner of the entire area.

The Barlinek Commune has provided such utilities as an internal road serving the purposes of real properties intended for future investment projects, storm and sanitary drainage systems, a water supply system, service trenches, and lighting.

This wasteland and tree-covered area is currently mostly unused.

The remnants of a former industrial plant (a sawmill) cover part of the said area.

The project, involving the construction of the Municipal Leisure and Social Integration Centre, is due to be implemented in 2020. •

AN INNOVATIVE MOBILE PLATFORM FOR SHAFT SINKING

F

or the mining industry to develop, it is necessary to access resources that are deposited deeper and deeper into the ground. And this, in turn, requires new shafts to be sunk and the existing ones to be sunk even deeper. MWM Elektro Spółka z o. o., a limited liability company from Trzebinia, has developed a mobile container platform – an innovative drive solution for vertical transportation systems in mining. The product is designed for temporary structures and intended for mining companies and mining contractors.

Traditional equipment necessary for shaft sinking or deepening requires permanent infrastructure (buildings, structures, chambers, etc.), which is time-consuming (from several months to over a year) and expensive, and requires a large area for construction purposes. In addition, such permanent infrastructure is not environmentally friendly, as the elements from the disassembled infrastructure cannot be reused, and the site requires extensive reclamation. With this original solution, in which the whole platform is container-based, the building footprint area can

be reduced, as can be the total assembly and construction times (to as little as two months), thus cutting the expenditure required to prepare vertical mining transport systems for operation.

The platform comprises containers with machine subassemblies, pre-fabricated foundation blocks and frames. Once delivered to the site, the modules are set up and joined to quickly create a complete platform with the average throughput of 200 tonnes per hour.

The containers serve as module housing during operation, transport and storage. Although small, the platform allows the systems installed inside to be operated easily and comfortably. Nearly all its modules have sizes and weights suitable for standard-load transport.

This project has delivered an ergonomic reusable solution that can be deployed in various conditions and to any operating specifications.

And it delivers high reliability and operating safety.

•

The largest economic event in Central Europe

The 11th European Economic Congress

13-15 May 2019 Katowice, The ICC and Spodek Arena

Key topics: New Union, young Union. We choose Europe Robots among us. Technologies and the society Succession and family businesses Cities, metropolises, regions. Dilemmas of sustainable growth Power and power generation – revolution, regulations, market Digitalisation, Cyber hazards, AI

www.eecpoland.eu

@EECKatowice

/EECKatowice

/EECPoland

REGIONS

DIVERSIFIED ENERGY SOURCES “Polish Market” was the media patron of the 7th edition of the National Energy Summit - OSE GDAŃSK 2019, which was devoted to challenges facing the Polish energy industry. The event took place at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk April 8-9, 2019.

The opening debate "Polish energy policy - EU priorities vs. Poland’s strategic goals"

T

he summit was officially inaugurated by Piotr Naimski, Secretary of State at the Prime Minister’s Office. He stressed that Poland is currently facing major challenges in the area of energy related to the growing need for energy and raw materials in the national economy. Following the inaugural address, explorer Marek Kamiński made an official announcement of the AI No Trace Expedition 2019 during which he is to travel 30,000 kilometres to Japan and back across 9 countries by a zero-emission electric car.

The organisers prepared a wide-ranging programme to enable everyone interested in

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energy to participate in various panel discussions. The opening debate was entitled "Polish energy policy - EU priorities vs. Poland’s strategic goals." Its moderator was Andrzej Błach, partner at CMS Law Firm. Participants included Henryk Kowalczyk, Minister of the Environment, Piotr Naimski, Secretary of State at the Prime Minister’s Office, Tomasz Dąbrowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Energy, Małgorzata Jarosińska – Jedynak, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development, Karin Anderman, Deputy Head of the Mission, Swedish Embassy, Juha Ottman, Finnish Ambassador to Poland, Ole Egberg

Mikkelsen, Danish Ambassador to Poland, Olav Myklebust, Norwegian Ambassador to Poland, Maciej Bando, President of the Energy Regulatory Office and Edyta Bielak-Jomaa, President of the Office for Personal Data Protection. The debate focused on Polish energy policies until 2040 and key directions of planned changes. In particular, the need to introduce a new energy mix was noted, especially with regard to the role of fossil fuels.

The "winter" package and COP24 results were examined in detail. Prospects for the development of the renewable energy sector and the place of nuclear energy in the new energy policy, were analysed. Questions were asked

whether a diversification of supplies to increase energy security would allow cheaper raw material acquisition. The international context was also examined. Reference was made to the priorities of cooperation in the Baltic Sea basin (gas, offshore, electricity, heating, cogeneration, energy efficiency,) as well as the future shape of the EU energy and gas market in the wake of Brexit. Participants of the summit were able to find out about the experience of other EU countries in counteracting negative effects of growing fuel prices.

The panel discussion "Strategies for adjusting energy groups to new market trends and technological changes" was moderated by Piotr Ciołkowski, Partner at the CMS Law Firm.

Ryszard Biernacki, Managing Director for Production Engineering, KGHM Polska Miedź, Mateusz Aleksander Bonca, President, Grupa Lotos, Jarosław Dybowski, Executive Director for Energy, PKN Orlen, Mirosław Kowalik, President, Enea, Marcin Lewandowski, Board Member, GPEC Group, Artur Różycki, Director of the Strategic Management Department, Energa Group, Mariusz Samordak, Director of the Energy Sector, Department of Sectoral Projects, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Magda Taczanowska, Director of Enterprise, Microsoft Polska, Ryszard Wasiłek, Vice President, PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna, Piotr Woźniak, President, PGNiG, Robert Zasina, President,Tauron Dystrybucja took part in the debate. The participants spoke about changes in the strategy of energy groups and directions of changes and the pace of their implementation. One issue which was raised in the debate was whether Poland’s current fuel economy model needs changing. Those taking part wondered whether it is possible to balance energy security against the interests of energy group shareholders. Reference was also made to technological innovation conducive to sustainable development and its impact on market models in particular energy sub-sectors. Future investment programmes and their financing methods were examined in detail. Potential synergies of the energy industry with the mining sector, transport and energy-intensive industries were pinpointed.

The dependence of the Polish energy industry on support systems was analysed along with prospects for the construction of Poland’s first nuclear power station. New development trends on the electricity, liquid fuels and gas markets were discussed by Wioletta CzemielGrzybowska, Board Member, Polska Spółka Gazownictwa, Piotr Kasprzak, Board Member for Operations, Hermes Energy Group, Jarosław Kawula, Vice-President for Production and Trade, Grupa Lotos, Andrzej

Modzelewski, Board Member, Innogy Polska, Andrzej Sikora, Chairman of the Board, Institute of Energy Studies, Leszek Wieciech, President, Polish Organisation of Oil Industry and Commerce, Przemysław Zaleski, Vice President for Development, Orlen Centrum Serwisowe, and Robert Zasina, Chairman of the Board, Tauron Dystrybucja. The speakers shared their experiences regarding the introduction of the power market. Invited guests took up the issue of strengthening the position of electricity users and protecting the competitiveness of energy-intensive industry. In addition, anti-smog tariffs and dynamic tariffs were discussed. Much attention was paid to new products and services implemented by individual companies in response to growing market demand, the degree of liberalisation of the Polish gas market and the development of the natural gas market. The diversification of energy sources and directions of gas, oil and liquid fuel supplies were also highlighted. New segments of the liquid fuel market (electromobility, alternative fuels) as well as changes in the maintenance of mandatory stocks, were also given due attention.

The panel discussion "Economy 4.0 - industry and environment," was attended by Alicja Adamczak, President of the Polish Patent Office, Krzysztof Figat, President, Polimex-Mostostal, senator Adam Gawęda, Deputy Chairman of the National Economy and Innovation Committee and Mateusz Wodejko, Vice President, PERN S.A. The starting point was a discussion on the scale of the Economy 4.0 programme in the third year of its implementation. Participants wondered whether innovation should be achieved through a series of breakthrough solutions or gradual optimisation. The possibilities of building innovation in Poland were discussed in the context of changes in the regulatory environment and the security of investment projects and the role of the state in creating, supporting and regulating new business models. The functioning of national economies in the face of global competition and the environmental factor was discussed.

During the panel discussion "Development of network infrastructure - key projects, new challenges," key investment programmes now being implemented by gas distribution and electricity system operators were examined. Reference was made to cross-border network projects crucial for Poland’s energy security. One of the most interesting network investment projects featured in one of the presentations concerned the storage of natural gas, energy storage

infrastructure and investments in the development of oil and liquid fuel transmission infrastructure. The financing of infrastructure investment projects and investment models was also discussed.

During a debate on "Development, modernisation and maintenance of energy and energy infrastructure - threats and opportunities," participants addressed the state of energy infrastructure with regard to needs, opportunities and threats. Reference was made to the problem of financial liquidity disruption during contract implementation and unexpected increases in costs and wage indexing. The new Public Procurement Law and the viability of Public-Private Partnership were analysed in relation to the energy sector. The role of banks and insurance companies in the process of energy and environmental investment, was given a lot of attention.

The first day of the event saw the Polish Energy Industry Amber Award gala 2019.

Prizes were presented to individuals, institutions and companies for their activities in boosting Poland’s energy security and their contribution to the development of the Polish economy. This year the statuettes were awarded to: Michał Kurtyka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Environment, Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomorskie Province, Filip Grzegorczyk, President,Tauron Polska Energia, the Danish Ministry of Energy, Public Service and Climate for the signing of an intergovernmental agreement with Poland on the implementation of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline, Gaz-System and PKN Orlen.

On the second day of OSE GDAŃSK 2019, three panel discussions took place: "Status of infrastructural, energy and related investment projects implemented by local government bodies until 2019," "Polish energy on the road to low-emission energy," "Offshore wind energy as an element of energy strategy and the country's economy. " During the discussion on low-emission energy, the speakers paid attention to electromobility, whose importance is growing in the development of the renewable energy market. The market potential of wind energy and photovoltaics was highlighted, alongside opportunities for the development of offshore wind energy.

The need was pointed out to introduce a comprehensive long-term energy policy which would not change with a change of government, and would constitute a solid base for investment projects. Conclusions from the two days of debates will serve as the starting point for the next edition of the National Energy Summit, which will take place next • spring.

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Source: National Energy Summit - OSE GDAŃSK

REGIONS

CULTURAL MONITOR

APRIL 2019 APRIL OFFERS A FEAST OF GREAT MUSIC, BUT THERE ARE ALSO EXCITING EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT AND FILM AND THEATRE PRODUCTIONS TO WATCH. OUR RESIDENT CRITIC MACIEJ PROLIŃSKI TAKES HIS PICK.

NEW RELEASES HENRYK GÓRECKI – “SYMPHONY NO. 3, SYMPHONY OF SORROWFUL SONGS" OP. 36 PERFORMED BY BETH GIBBONS AND THE POLISH NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY KRZYSZTOF PENDERECKI - DOMINO RECORDING - CD / DVD Henryk Górecki (1933-2010) was one of a few Polish composers who combined the originality of their art with commercial success. In 1992, his Third Symphony shot to the top of British and US charts, and Górecki instantly became a household name. The album featured American singer Dawn Upshaw and the London Sinfonietta under David Zinman. The master appealed to everyone, because his music captured humanity’s most fundamental values. The new release of this touching symphony is interestingly performed by Beth Gibbons, lead singer of the rock band Portishead, and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki. The concert recording was made at the Teatr Wielki-Polish National Opera in Warsaw on November 29, 2014. Two weeks after it was released, it topped the Billboard classical music chart. Even though music lovers are divided in their views on this recording, especially in Poland regarding Gibbons' participation, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with it, far from it. It sounds raw, pure, strong and at the same time contemplative. The music has characteristic Polish traits, but it also has a truly universal dimension. And above all, Górecki’s unmistakable harmonies come through very well. Despite what others might say, Gibbons sounds very convincing, too.

MIKOŁAJ GÓRECKI - CHAMBER MUSIC - TRIO ŚLĄSKIE, AUKSO - DUX - CD Contemporary Polish music performed in philharmonic halls is rich and colourful. There is no shortage of successors to the late leading lights of the past few decades. After the death of Henryk Górecki, the composer's family tradition is carried on by his son Mikołaj Górecki (born in 1971.) This modest and unique artist lives away from the music trends of present-day Poland. He is based in the US, but he is aware of his roots and heritage, and carries it on with gusto. In his music, he sometimes follows his father, but he injects it with a personal note of affection and mysticism. His music is melodious, lyrical and emotional. Górecki is an erudite composer whose works feature stylistic diversity. On his latest album you can hear "Zan Tontemiquico," an orchestral piece, excellently performed by the Aukso ensemble conducted by Marek Moś. The title of the work is taken from a poem by Aztec prince and poet Tochihuitzin who lived at the turn of the 15th century.

The poem was written in Náhuatl, the language spoken in what is now Mexico before the arrival of the conquistadors. The title means “we come here just to dream." The album also includes two intimate works dedicated to musicians of the Silesian Trio, graduates of the Katowice and Krakow music academies: Joanna Domańska - piano, Roman Widaszek – clarinet and Tadeusz Tomaszewski - horn.

ERYK KULM QUINTESSENCE - "PRIVATE THINGS" - POLISH RADIO - CD Eryk Kulm is an outstanding drummer coming from the thriving Gdańsk jazz scene. On the nationwide jazz circuit he appeared with the band Jazz Carriers in 1974, and the following year he went on to live in the cradle of world jazz. There, at the famous Berklee College of Music he performed together with a number of US jazz musicians. His stay in America shaped the character of his music and when he returned to Poland 15 years later, he set up Quintessence, a band which will forever be associated with him. The band became an instant success. The new original work "Private Things," which Kulm recorded together with top musicians (Rasul Siddik - trumpet, Marcin Kaletka - tenor saxophone, Michał Szkil - piano, Michał Jaros - contrabass and lead drummer, is an album strongly embedded in jazz tradition, including Polish tradition shaped by Krzysztof Komeda who wrote music to “Rosemary’s Baby.” It is an intimate album, delicate and honest, and Kulm himself stresses that he had never recorded anything just as personal before. It is the voice of an experienced artist who is perfectly aware of his role. The music is joyful, but lyrical, and the jazz beat and fulfilment come through very strongly.

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CULTURAL MONITOR FISZ EMADE TWORZYWO - "RADAR" - AGORA - CD Fisz Emade Tworzywo, a band whose name is a bit of a tongue-twister for non-Poles, is one of the most important bands on the Polish record market. Since 2001, they have released ten hip hop albums. After successful concert tours and the well-received CD "Drones," they are back after a few years’ break with a new album "Radar." This time they reach for the 1980s melting pot, inspired by disco, electronic pop, Afrobeat, and also classic rock. The lyrics are colourful and varied, alternating between the melancholic and the ironic. It is a thoughtful and mature concept album. "Radar" tells a beautiful love story set in difficult, politicised and deceptive times. There is not one weak moment here. Just sit back and listen or dance away to the rhythm. The lyrics are, as usual, by Bartek "Fisz" Waglewski. Piotr "Emade" Waglewski is responsible for the soundtrack.

Incidentally, this CD perfectly complements "In a bit," the latest album by the father of the Waglewski brothers, Wojciech Waglewski and his band Voo Voo.

KAPUŚCIŃSKI FEATURED IN THEATRE AND FILM The fruit of many trips by writer and journalist Ryszard Kapuściński (1932-2007) are numerous reports, photographs, books and volumes of poetry. Three of his books became international hits: "The Emperor" (1978) about the splendour and fall of Haile Selassie in Ethiopia, "Shah of Shahs" (1982) about Reza Pahlavi’s court in Iran and "Imperium" (1993,) a collection of travel sketches of the former USSR. Translated into a number of languages, the author gained worldwide fame and is recognised as one of the world's leading journalists.

A theatre production based on Kapuściński's book "The Emperor," directed by Mikołaj Grabowski, is on at the Ateneum in Warsaw. “’The Emperor’ was one of the most popular books in communist Poland, as the readers easily found in it clear parallels with the totalitarian court of the communist ruler Gierek. But analysing court mechanisms, ‘The Emperor’ contains a universal message, a powerful warning against any authoritarianism," says Grabowski. "Kapuściński masterfully juggles various literary styles, from reportage to Baroque ornamentation, making it very contemporary and appealing. Human ambitions, impotence, fear, but also wickedness, duplicity and meanness shown in ‘The Emperor,’ are timeless,” he adds. The cast includes Maria Ciunelis, Julia Konarska, Marcin Dorociński, and Marian Opania (in the title role).

“Another day of life” by Damian Nenow (Poland) and Raúl de la Fuente (Spain) is a co-production involving five countries. It is a gripping combination of a full-length animated film and a documentary, which has been released on DVD by Agora. The production is the result of a three-month trip by an outstanding Polish reporter to war-torn and chaotic Angola, in which the front line changes all the time. The film follows the journey of Ryszard Kapuściński who arrived in Luanda in 1975 to file daily reports from the deserted city for the Polish News Agency. Eventually, he sets out on a deadly journey into the country. Visually and in terms of artistic expression, this film carries echoes of the excellent Ari Folman’s "Waltz with Bashir” of a decade ago. It is also a great starting point for discussions about the power of the media.

In the film, Kapuściński faces a key dilemma: may a frontline reporter grab a gun or fail to mention a sensational development for the sake of a higher cause? Although more than 40 years have passed since the war in Angola, these questions remain valid.

EXHIBITIONS GALORE “BEKSIŃSKI FROM PHOTOGRAPHY TO VIRTUAL REALITY" On the 90th birth anniversary of Zdzisław Beksiński (1929-2005) one of the most important Polish painters, the Beksiński Foundation and the Historical Museum in Sanok, have come up with an extraordinary exhibition, now on at the Centrum Konesera Praga in Warsaw until June 2. This show is meant to shed new light on the artist's character and to allow visitors to experience samples of his entire output. It features a collection of over 100 of his photographs, photomontages and computer graphics. The Sanok Historical Museum has provided a unique series of photographs of the Beksiński family from the early 1950s to the late 1990s. "Most people associate Beksiński's works mainly with images of his first fantasy period. However, it is worth remembering that the artist started out with photography, and after 1997 he also ventured into photomontage and computer graphics,” explains Ewa Barycka of the Beksiński Foundation.

THE VALUE OF ART The National Museum in Warsaw has staged an exhibition "Art is value. From the PKO Bank Polski collection,” to last until June 30. The collection of contemporary art purchased by PKO Bank Polski, one of the most important institutional patrons of Polish culture, was started in 1998.

The choice of works was entrusted to the eminent art critic Anda Rottenberg, who gathered works by outstanding Polish artists of three generations, produced in the mid-1990s. The collection is divided into three parts. One is devoted to doyens such as Stefan Gierowski and Jan Tarasin, academic professors who shaped several generations of artists. Another one features artists who graduated in the 1970s, including Edward Dwurnik and Teresa Murak. The final section focuses on 1980s graduates including Ryszard Grzyb and Włodzimierz Pawlak.

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CULTURE

CELEBRATING

EUROPE

Poland joined the EU on May 1, 2004. The National Centre for Culture (NCC) has prepared a series of events to mark the anniversary.

Maciej Proliński

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“

We are happy that we can prepare a series of cultural events marking the anniversary. Our mission is to go beyond the present, to nurture the past. That’s why celebrations of the anniversary perfectly fit into our mission. The Centre can contribute toward building community, because our presence within the European Union makes us feel part of it, but it also has a personal dimension for each of us. Poland in the EU is the past 15 years of our lives," says NCC Director Prof. Rafał Wiśniewski, who the minister of culture and national heritage put in charge of cultural events marking the 15th anniversary of Poland's EU accession. On April 30, a group of popular artists performed at the National Stadium in Warsaw. They included Natalia Szroeder, Margaret, Sylwia Grzeszczak, Muniek Staszczyk, Golec uOrkiestra, Lemon and Organek. Specially for this openair event, where admission was free, the artists prepared duets and new versions of top hits of the past 15 years.

Spectacular visualisations and 3D animations shown on giant screens were accompanied by aerobatics displays. A concert featuring Radzimir Dębski (Jimek) and the Polish National Radio Orchestra in Katowice was held at the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera in Warsaw on May 1.

It combined two worlds: of classical music and light entertainment. Among featured works was the Polonaise by Wojciech Kilar from the film "Pan Tadeusz. The Last Foray in Lithuania," which brings the tradition of national Polish dances alive. It was meant as a bridge between the first movement of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” and pieces

by Radzimir Dębski, performed in the second part, which are full of contemporary European and world influences.

During a family picnic at the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw on the same day, an intergenerational Poland-EU quiz

was held along with numerous games and competitions.

The participants were asked to do some creative work with the use of EU symbols during a series of workshops.

Polish Radio Three Top 50 hits from 2004-2019 in completely new, exciting versions were performed by the Grzegorz Urban Orchestra in Warsaw’s Piłsudski Square on May 4. The concert featured Sound'n'Grace, Third Time of the Day, Agata Steczkowska Choir, Gospel Rain and the Adam Mickiewicz University chamber choir. The presenter was Radio Three DJ Hirek Wrona. The "EU Founding Fathers" exhibition is on show at the Kordegarda Gallery in Krakowskie Przedmieście Street April 30 - May 24. Among those featured in the exhibition are Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Józef Retinger, Karol Wojtyła, Aleksander Kojève, Denis de Rougemont, Jean Monnet, Altiero Spinelli, Edyta Stein and Simone Veil. Their activities and ideas, which contributed to the building of a united Europe, are presented at the exhibition which was put together on the initiative of the National Centre for Culture.

The concept is by Michał Łuczewski (John Paul II Centre) and the graphic side was prepared by Handsome Studio.

Celebrations of the 15th anniversary of Poland's EU accession are accompanied by the publication by the National Centre for Culture of a book devoted to a united Europe for children aged 9-13. It was distributed during the picnic in the gardens of the Royal Łazienki Park on May 1 and at other events. It shows all EU countries from a cultural perspective. It encourages younger readers to find out more about their peers from other countries, to show what buildings and monuments they pass on their way to school every day, what games they play, what books they pick, what they like to eat and why they visit the nearest • museum.

CULTURE

“

Billy Budd” was written in 1950 on commission from the Arts Council. The original setting was the British warship the Indomitable, which in the summer of 1797 went to battle against the French fleet during the revolution. However, director Annilese Miskimmon moved the story to the outset of World War II, when the British fleet attacked the French navy based in Oran in Algeria. In the warship’s micro-community, a tragedy unfolds against the background of grander events. There are only men on stage. Together with his librettists EM Forster and Eric Crozier, Britten created three main characters: the devilish captain Claggart, Billy Budd, who is a kind-hearted, naive, and innocent sailor who is falsely accused of inciting a revolt, and Captain Vere, who recalls the tragic story of Budd, in which he himself played a vital role. He failed to save him. The story is loosely based on a Herman Melville novel. Each music event connected with the name of Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) is certainly worthy of special attention. Britten is regarded as one of the 20th century’s greatest composers and part of a galaxy of music geniuses of all time. This opera is a perfect example of this. Sophisticated, and yet enchantingly beautiful and emotional, the music perfectly captures and reinforces the spirit of the story. Director Annilese Miskimmon reached for the story of an old captain, who tormented by guilt, reminisces on the death of his companion and his own life, doing plenty of soulsearching in the process. This sought-after director strongly believes in the power of art, its value, and immortality.

She transports audiences into unknown worlds, building a bridge between what is universal and what is painfully close at hand. Significantly, she does not experiment, she does not try to surprise audiences at all cost. She just lets them experience Britten and listen to the voice of his heart.

The performance is co-produced with Den Norske Opera and Ballett in Oslo. The performers include Michał Partyka (Billy Budd), Gidon Saks (Claggart), Alan Oke (Vere), as well as the Choir and Orchestra of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera, the Academic Choir of the University of Warsaw and the Władysław Skoraczewski Artos Children's Choir under Michał Klauza.

BILLY BUDD AND FREDRIANA Two captivating premieres recently took place at the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera in Warsaw. April 12 saw the premiere of Benjamin Britten's “Billy Budd.” This was actually the first time that Polish audiences had a chance to see it at the National Opera. The production was directed by Annilese Miskimmon, who is considered one of the world’s best opera directors. April 6 saw the opening night of the ballet "Fredriana" based on two 19th century comedies by Aleksander Fredro and set to music by Stanisław Moniuszko.

Maciej Proliński

"FREDRIANA" The ballet company of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera carries on the longstanding tradition of Warsaw ballet art. In 2009 it was given artistic autonomy within the opera company and was elevated to the rank of the Polish National Ballet. Since then it has been led by the wellknown Polish choreographer Krzysztof Pastor. The latest production is based on music by the 19th century composer Stanisław Moniuszko and Aleksander Fredro's comedy "The Sarmatian Parable" (with a storyline from his famous play "The Revenge.") The choreography is by the late legendary Polish dancer Conrad Drzewiecki. It was reconstructed and directed by his former student and assistant Emil Wesołowski in conjunction with Renata Smukała. Another literary work by Fredro whose story is featured in the ballet is "Husband and Wife," a contemporary version directed

by Anna Hop. Fredro's comedy, combined with Moniuszko’s cheerful, yet mysterious, lyrical and dramatic music, is a perfect match. It is light and uplifting. It takes you to a colourful 19th century land of jovial entertainment at its

best. Once again the Polish National Ballet company lives up to expectations. The dancers do a superb job, revealing some hidden talents. Credit for the success of the production also goes to the orchestra under Piotr Staniszewski, who faced a challenging, but rewarding task - to give Mo• niuszko's music a contemporary feel.

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CULTURE

ATTENTION! AUCTION! Tamara Łempicka – "Still Life with Tangerines"

OUR INVITATIONS TO ART AUCTIONS

In May we are again returning to the DESA Unicum Auction House in Warsaw – the largest and one of the oldest auction houses operating on the domestic art market, and also to the NEXT Art Gallery situated in Bydgoszcz, at 31 Poznańska St., in the immediate neighbourhood of the Old Town.

THE 2ND SPRING ART AUCTION, 10 MAY, 7.00 PM – NEXT ART GALLERY – BYDGOSZCZ The activity profile of the NEXT Art Gallery and Auction House involves displaying, promoting, and selling works of art by contemporary Polish artists. Its principal objective is to organise exhibition events and to participate in regular dealing in works of modern art. The 2nd Spring Art Auction will be attended by the following artists: Karolina Matyjaszkowicz (born in 1980 in Łowicz), Jadwiga Okrassa (born in 1950 in Złotoryja), Cyprian Nocoń (born in 1991 in Chorzów), Kamila Bednarska (born in 1983 in Rzeszów), Andrzej Zdanowicz (born in 1960 in Poznań), and Viola Tycz (born in 1973 in Wrocław), to name but a few.

The upcoming jewellery auction is going to be exceptional, as it will feature a wide range of jewellery dating back to the turn of the 20th century, along with several older pieces. The selection of items will be very diverse in terms of the styles and types of jewellery, also comprising a wide array of gemstones used in collectible jewellery items. The items to be displayed come from France, Austria, Russia, and other countries. Along with the collectibles, the auction will also include several investment items, such as a Ceylon sapphire ring (with Ceylon sapphires being among the mostsought-after types of sapphire in the world).

ECOLE DE PARIS, 14 MAY, 7.00 PM – DESA UNICUM AUCTION HOUSE – WARSAW; 1A PIĘKNA STREET "La Musicienne", a painting by Tamara Łempicka, was sold for the price of PLN 34 million at Christie’s in New York, thus becoming the most expensive work of art ever created by a Polish artist. Her works are rarely found on the art market. There is only one painting by Łempicka which can be seen in Poland – in the National Museum in Warsaw. Łempicka's work dating back to the 1920s "Still Life with Tangerines" will be displayed at the École de Paris auction in DESA Unicum on 29 April. Two weeks later it will be put up for auction, which in the case of Łempicka's works, last occurred six years ago. École de Paris is a collection of works by the most prominent artists who were active in Paris in the first half of the 20th century, with Moïse Kisling in the lead. The painter was the most renowned figure in the Parisian social circles centred around artistic workshops and cafeterias. The upcoming exhibition and auction in Warsaw will feature, among other things, "Khera – Kiki de Montmartre", a nude painting. Kiki was a model portrayed by Kisling in the 1930s, whose identity has remained mysterious ever since.

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Moïse Kisling – "Khera - Kiki de Montmartre" Photo: Marcin Koniak / Desa Unicum

COLLECTIBLE JEWELLERY, 9 MAY, 7.00 PM – DESA UNICUM AUCTION HOUSE – WARSAW; 1A PIĘKNA STREET

Mela Muter was another captivating proponent of École de Paris. While she was famous mainly for her portraits of mothers and children, her biography also had some dramatic aspects. An unhappy marriage, her son's sickness and death, an affair suddenly ended by her lover's death, and, finally, an incident which left her with a scarred face – all these events formed integral parts of her creative activities. "Landscape from Allevard "by Muter, which will be presented at the exhibition and auction, clearly reflects the artist's fascination with cubism.

The École de Paris auction will also feature works by Eugene Zak, Leopold Gottlieb, Tadeusz Makowski, Henri Hayden, and Zygmunt Józef Menkes, to name but a few. On 14 May all the displayed works will be put up for • auction.

ORGANIC FOOD

HERBAL

WELLNESS "

We get all kinds of customers," says Aleksandra Ciężkowska, manager of Pijalnia Ziół herbal tea room which was set up by the Dary Natury company, a member of the Polish Ecology Association. “Young people come here for a herbal shot, senior citizens for a selected herbal brew, or for a breakfast smoothie. They are all curious about new flavours, they are eager to try pickled beetroot juice, and to experience something different.

Customers come for a one-of-a-kind gift, a herbal box in the form of a set of bunches beautifully arranged in a box, made of herbal sprigs for infusion. We have a selection of these. Basically, every guest will find something to their taste and a moment of pleasure.”

“We also organise herbal workshops and lectures for anyone willing to learn the secrets of herbs. On the shelves we have collected 950 products, including herbal teas, individual herbs, preserves, juices, honey, coffee and cakes.

The bar entices you with herbal aromas, tempting slices of nettle cake and the marcinek podlaski local delicacy. Each day the Pijalnia Ziół offers the tasting of a different product, whether it’s a cake, vegetable paste, juice, colourful pesto or fruit preserves.”

This unique place is located at the trendy Plan B in the very heart of Warsaw, at 19 Mokotowska Street at the junction of Zbawiciela Square, Mokotowska and Marszałkowska Streets. It is a very busy place thanks to

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its prime location. If you feel like getting truly immersed in the herbal world, you can try the place where it all comes from, Dary Natury in the village of Korycin. At the Podlaski Herbal Garden, where medicinal and aromatic plants grow over an area of about 15 hectares, there is a herbal corner - an agri tourist farm, where the pace of life is slower and where you can relax in a traditional Podlasie cottage.

Visitors can sample regional cuisine, of course with the use of local herbs, and enjoy massage with essential oils which are pressed on the spot. There are also herbal workshops with hand-made herbal mixtures and liqueurs, which are ideal for those who care for a healthier lifestyle.

It is all in keeping with the famous saying by Charlemagne that herbs are medicine’s friends and the chef's glory. The triple role of herbs was emphasised by Dr. Orest Czabak, a medical practitioner, homeopath and founder of the Central Teaching Hospital in Warsaw: "They improve the flavour, and even the appearance of dishes; they strengthen the body and heal it. "What's more, thanks to the Warsaw Institute of Food and Nutrition, herbs have been placed in the pyramid of healthy nutrition. Ewa Rychlik who works for the Institute highlights one more thing: "In everyday cooking, it is worth using different herbs, because they add to the flavour of dishes, and some people will also be able to add less salt to their food."

ORGANIC FOOD

Nutritionists stress that pepper should be used in moderation, but that a portion of preferably black pepper should be added to your meals every day. It goes extremely well with turmeric. Black pepper boosts the absorption of turmeric’s curcumin by the human body 2,000 times. The strength of pepper lies in the compound piperine, which is responsible for its pungency and is famous for its ability to cut through fat. Piperine is also a natural painkiller and slows down neurodegenerative processes. Pepper contains loads of vitamins - especially C, E and group B vitamins. Probably for this reason, old Polish cuisine was famous for being "peppery and saffrony." Today, pepper reigns in Polish cuisine alongside a wide range of local and foreign spices. In order to learn more about the art of seasoning, what combinations to use, and how to become a master in spicing up your food, it is worth checking out the Pijalnia Ziół.

The best recommendation for the place comes from Monika Kucia, a curator and culinary critic who knows everything there is to know about herbs: "It's a great idea, part of the Podlasie tradition has been successfully brought to the Polish capital and skilfully integrated into the culinary map of Warsaw. Three cheers for the interior designers and the contents of the display cabinets. It’s a winner. " •

“

WE ALSO ORGANISE HERBAL WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES FOR ANYONE WILLING TO LEARN THE SECRETS OF HERBS. ON THE SHELVES WE HAVE COLLECTED 950 PRODUCTS, INCLUDING HERBAL TEAS, INDIVIDUAL HERBS, PRESERVES, JUICES, HONEY, COFFEE AND CAKES."

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AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS

POZNAŃ MOTOR SHOW

SPRING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Another Poznań Motor Show has arrived, heralding the arrival of spring – only not on our calendars but in the automotive industry. The event – held under the motto Mobility of Tomorrow – merely reinforced the alreadypredominant trends: eco cars, hybrids, and electric vehicles, coupled with the enduring desire for safe and enjoyable driving

D

emonstrably, an increasing number of vehicle models of virtually all the car producers are extremely well equipped, and look superb.

ABSENCES WHICH COULD HARDLY GO UNNOTICED

This year, several leading importers of outstanding global makes were absent from the Poznań event. Should we perceive this as a sign of a sharply-declining interest in our market, or merely a reflection of the rapid development of our own automotive industry? Well, several weeks before the Poznań Motor Show, things had not looked any brighter, with an exhibition crisis being clearly visible in Geneva. In the age of the Internet, YouTube content, and innumerable photos available on demand, audiences tend to get bored easily – especially the younger ones, raised on videogames and action movies.

Nonetheless, we witnessed many interesting premieres in Poznań, and visitors appeared in large numbers, as if they wanted to show those who were absent that the fairs still remained an event enjoying tremendous interest.

Mirosław Wdzięczkowski

Source: Rolls Royce

MUCH ATTENTION WAS DRAWN

BY THE ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN – THE FIRST HIGH-SUSPENSION, ALL-TERRAIN, CAR FROM THIS PRESTIGIOUS BRAND, WHICH CAN TRAVERSE RUGGED GROUND, MOVING BOTH FIRMLY AND NIMBLY. THIS FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A NEW 6.75-LITRE V12 ENGINE, PUTTING OUT 563 HP AND 850 NM OF TORQUE.

CONCEPT CARS

Visitors paid special attention to concept cars, and vehicles produced in no more than two prototypes. Volkswagen unveiled its I.D. Crozz – an electric limousine of the future, as well as the I.D. Buzz Cargo, which presages an electric Transporter. Skoda displayed its Vision X, along with the Kamiq and the Vision E – an electric SUV of the future.

BMW presented a prototype of the NEXT 100, projecting what cars might look like in 100 years' time, while Nissan revealed its allelectric racing car – the LEAF. AUDI displayed as many as three different concepts, highlighting the Q4 E-Tron concept – a preproduction version of an electric SUV. Alfa Romeo focused on the small yet captivating Tonale – its next-generation SUV. Mercedes-Benz showed its vision of an electric Smart. Last but not least, Mazda revealed its cars equipped with high-tech, naturally aspirated, petrol engines, displaying improved heat parameters, comparable to those of diesel engines. Visitors could also admire numerous McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari models.

WHAT'S NEW

Along with passenger cars, on display were numerous trucks, motorbikes, campers, trailers and highly tuned cars, as well as car detailing. The premises outside the exhibition buildings featured numerous shows, and test-car and motorcycle drives, along with motorcycle stunt driving – a highlight admired by the biggest audiences. Professionals could also find something for them. As this year's fairs were devoted to the latest developments in alternative fuels, enterprises dealing with the installation of LPG and LNG systems marked their presence at the event.

Lectures and panels devoted to electro-mobility were also conducted. The P'rofi Auto display was one of the biggest stands for attracting mechanics' attention.

Several cars were also unveiled which we will soon see in local dealer showrooms. We can expect more electric cars, and soon maybe hydrogen vehicles, to be moving on our roads. Based on the calculations performed by the organiser, 170 exhibitors showed over 1,000 vehicles, of which 60 were Polish premi eres.

•

ABOUT CONGRESS

2019

MIAMI

7 - 10 February

contact@60mln.pl

The 60 Million Congress - the Global Polonia Congress of is an event that, by strengthening Polish-Polish bonds, builds international business relations corresponding to the trends of the 21st century. Defining the opportunities for development and strengthening the cooperation of 60 million Poles around the world is the basic goal of our meeting, the achievement of which will allow the development of a global network of business contacts based on Polish values LONDON 30 May - 1 June

BERLIN

13 - 15 June

BUFFALO

19 - 21 July

www.60mln.pl

RZESZĂ“W

29 - 31 August

NEW YORK

3 - 6 October

+48 605 688 536