Warmia-Mazury = Great Potential. Investment, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development

7 June 2011. Restaurant "Przystań" - Olsztyn

The seminar title is not a marketing trick. The list of investment possibilities in Masuria (Warminsko-Mazurskie province in Poland) is long and concrete. First of all, the province is located close to the eastern EU border, neighboring upon Kaliningrad – a Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania. Secondly, its rich natural resources encourage businesses to invest in the agricultural production, wood industry, alternative energy, etc. Thirdly, the region boasts magnificent landscapes and lakes ideal for the development of tourism, boat building, and sports. The fourth thing: the people. The province residents are relatively young (63.5% of residents in their productive years). Masuria boasts one of the highest population growth rates in Poland. The fifth: science. There are four universities in the region – the most important one being the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, followed by several non-public institutions of higher education. There are also numerous scientific and research centers such as: Dairy Research and Development Center, Eastern European Studies Institute, Social Research Center, Natural and Traditional Food Research Center, or Nutri-Bio-Chemical Center. The sixth issue: two economic zones have been established in the province: the Warmia and Mazury Special Economic Zone (Michelin Polska, Swedwood Poland, Bauer Publishing House) and sub-zones of the Suwałki Special Economic Zones in Ełk and Gołdapia.

The provincial authorities spare no effort to extend the abovementioned list, utilizing EU funds: Regional Program, Human Capital, and Eastern Poland Development. The construction of Mazury Airport in Szymany tops the projects summary. This priority endeavor is aimed at developing tourism and further investments in the region. Another priority is to streamline the regional road infrastructure. The region wishes to be positioned as a new destination for centers like BPO and create the image of Masuria as a region of Poland offering grand possibilities including business development and the formation of a new tourist destination. The province is full of cultural, natural and culinary attractions (the “Mazury Cud Natury” campaign was nominated to the list of 7 New World Wonders prepared by the New7Wonders foundation from Switzerland.

In order to execute their ambitious plans, properly utilize the existing assets, skillfully contact and attract new investors the local authorities need to conduct multiple meetings and discussions, as well as to exchange their experiences in regard to a number of significant social, financial, legal, and technological issues. We would like the seminar entitled “Warmia-Mazury Great Potential. Investment_Entrepreneurship_Sustainable Development” to be held on 7 June 2011 in Olsztyn to become a forum for the abovementioned activities and a meeting venue for business and local government representatives.

The seminar makes part of the “Prospects in Poland” cycle promoting Polish cities and their investment potential.

The main objectives of the Olsztyn conference include:

- discussions on the Martial Office investment policy, focusing on business cooperation;
- analysis of the investment potential of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province;
- presentation of companies present and successful in the province;
- presentation of needs and expectations of the private sector representatives towards the province local government.

Among the conference speakers will be the provincial authority representatives. The seminar will also be attended by advisors from the best global consultancies, lawyers, financers, and business organization experts. Of no lesser importance will be representatives of companies which have invested in the region.