The Ireland Poland Business Association, ireland, poland, irish, polish, commerce, IPBA.

February 2009

2009 AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Ireland Poland Business Association took place on Thursday, January 22nd in the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin. The meeting was attended by over 30 people consisting of Patrons and members, along with Council Members, Honorary President of the IPBA, HE Dr. Tadeusz Szumowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ireland and HE Dr. Declan O’Donovan, Irish Ambassador to Poland.

Chairman - Philip Singleton

Chairman of the IPBA, Philip Singleton, welcomed everyone to the Association’s 5th AGM In his address, Philip outlined the strategy for the Association going forward, gave an overview of the activities and events which took place in 2008 along with a membership update. (copy of Chairman’s address attached). He urged members to support the Association’s activities and events in 2009, as the IPBA will only continue to grow and meet the needs of the members with their support, input and feedback. He thanked all of the Council members for their tremendous support and commitment during the year and for giving their time and energy so generously and freely.

He proceeded to welcome the new members of the Council for 2009:

Ms. Beata Janota, Embassy of the Republic of Poland
Mr. Eamonn Crowley, AIB CEE Division
Mr. Matthew Creagh, CQS Chartered Surveyors
Mr. Richard O’Sullivan, Christies Estates

Download Chairmans Address 2009 (Members Only)

Honorary President- HE Dr. Tadeusz Szumowski

In his address to the AGM, Dr. Szumowski thanked the Directors, Council , members and in particular, the Patrons for their continued support of the IPBA. The relationship between Ireland and Poland continues to be a very important one to both economies with the turnover of the trade amounting to EURO 1.4 bn in 2008, with the substantial trade surplus in favor of Ireland.
Over 1 billion euros was exported from Ireland to Poland in 2008 through our banks by Polish people working in Ireland. This real volume of trade in money is very important to the Polish economy where it is being invested and returning Poles are starting up their own small businesses. While there are still thousands of Poles coming to Ireland seeking employment, many more are returning to Poland. A year ago, the figure of Poles living in Ireland stood at approximately 250000, now it is less than 200000. While Poland saw good economic growth in 2008, he sees 2009 as being much more difficult but even with the world economic crisis, he is confident that both economies still have lots of potential.
Along with 2008 being a good year for the Polish economy, it was also a good year in sports for Polish residents here with victory for Poland over Ireland in both soccer and basketball. Along with congratulating sporting bodies in both countries, he acknowledged the results that can be achieved by working together as the Polish Embassy and the IPBA did with the conference in November.

He concluded by welcoming home Eamonn Crowley of AIB whom he is confident will be a great asset to both the IPBA and Irish / Polish relations..

The evening ended with a reception where guests had an opportunity to network and also to meet both Ambassadors. HE Dr. Szumowski and HE Dr. O’Donovan.

NEW - AGM 2009 Photos

AGM 2008 Photos

AGM 2007 Photos