Poland

Poznań – the city that welcomes investors

Welcome to one of the largest cities in Poland, with business opportunities that are second to none

With a population of over half a million, Poznań is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in Poland, which has one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. Poznań is the capital of the Wielkopolska region, the most developed region of the country, and one which has excellent road links with the rest of Europe, being situated on the Paris– Moscow route, and halfway between the economic centres of Berlin and Warsaw. A new and modernized airport offers direct flights to a wide range of European cities, including London. The immediate market within 100 km radius of Poznań is three million strong.

The combination of Poland’s attractive fiscal and financial regime and Poznań’s convenient location has made the city a centre for banking and finance. Several national and international banks have chosen to locate in the city, including both those with mixed and those with 100% foreign capital. Some 38 banks have a presence in Poznań, with a total of 32 branches between them. Three of these banks have located their head offices here. The presence of major international banks such as these proves just how welcoming a location the city is for investors from outside Polish borders.

Further proof of this is given in the figures for foreign investment in Poznań. At the end of 2004, some $4.3 billion had been invested in Poznań since 1990, putting the city second only to Warsaw in terms of the amount of foreign investment attracted. Foreign investment over this time works out at some $7,600 per head — more than comparable investment in Wroclaw, or Krakow, for example. Volkswagen, GlaxoSmithKline, Bridgestone and The Allied Irish Bank are among the world-class firms that have chosen to invest here. Not surprising, given that Poznań is the only city in Poland to be granted the top A3 rating by Moody’s Investor Service.

Poznań has provided a host of facilities for its investors, including the Poznań International Fair, which offers 115,000 m2 of indoor exhibition space, and hosts some 41 trade fairs and exhibitions every year. In 2004, it welcomed 11,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, who displayed their goods to 311,000 visitors. The city is also a science and education centre, with a population of 126,000 students studying at 23 universities and colleges. There are 44 science and research institutes, and the Polish Academy of Science has a centre in Poznań. The supercomputing and network centre is the largest in Poland. These facilities boost the link between research and industry, making it a particularly good location for R&D facilities. The focus on cutting-edge technology continues into the medical sector, where Poznań offers an excellent infrastructure that fulfils all European medical standards, with particular expertise in laryngology. The city’s 18 hospitals include five university clinics.

But Poznań is not just a business city. It is a major centre for sport, recreation and culture. The city boasts an all-year round ski slope, sled track, bike paths, a regatta course and many other facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming pools, tennis courts, recreation centres, botanical gardens and a zoo offer further opportunities for relaxation. The opera house, orchestra and numerous theatres and galleries make Poznań a cultural hub. Every year, many unique national events are held here, including theatre and music festivals, exhibitions, concerts and more. Welcome to Poznań!

Contact details:
Poznań City Hall, Investment Promotion Department, Plac Kolegiacki 17, 61-841 Poznań, Poland - Tel: +48 61 8785428 - Fax: +48 61 8527686 - E-mail: promocja@um.Poznan.pl - Website: www.city.Poznan.pl - www.youarein.Poznan.pl

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