Dear Friends,

As Ambassador of Poland, it is a privilege for me to be Honorary President of Ireland Poland Business Association. It has always been one of our priorities to foster good business relations between our countries and promote unique values in both nations.

Europe is still reeling under the effects of the economic crisis, but for the recent years Poland was - and is - an exceptional investment destination and the economic slowdown presented a range of opportunities for the canny entrepreneurs.

Polish economy achieved positive economic growth in 2009, a unique feat among EU member states, and earned the nation and the government a great deal of respect. We were also doing well last year making a significant investment in modernising infrastructure throughout the country. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has described the country as the largest building site in Europe and I am happy to see Irish businesses starting to achieve success in these activities with a number of significant contracts secured in 2010.

Business conducted between the two countries has made Ireland the 15th largest foreign investor in Poland with FDI from Irish firms growing significantly since the early 1990s. Poland is Ireland’s most important economic partner in Central and East Europe which is shown by the fact that the value of 2010 trade between the two countries is estimated to exceed 1.2 bn EUR. Ireland's open labour market for Polish workers has profoundly changed the relationship between our states and our populations and Polish people returning to their homeland can be a real asset to Irish companies active in Poland. I am also convinced that companies in this country fully appreciate the high qualifications and the strong work ethic of Polish employees.

The IPBA is a perfect source of information for all Irish businesses either already in Poland or interested in Poland. I encourage them to join the IPBA which through its members and efforts provides hands-on experience in such areas as manufacturing, construction, food, financial and business services, tourism, recruitment and many more sectors. Likewise I extend an invitation to Polish entrepreneurs interested in doing business with Irish companies in Ireland to join the IPBA.

I look forward to meeting you in person soon at IPBA events.

Yours sincerely,
Marcin Nawrot
Ambassador to Ireland

Download HE Mr. Nawrot's CV