The value of FDI flows from the four Nordic countries increased from 143.5 million Euro in 2002 to 1613.9 million in 2008. In 2008 foreign direct investments from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden exceeded those from for example France, Netherlands and the United States, making these countries the second largest investors in Poland, only marginally behind Germany. In terms of number of entities in Poland Scandinavians came third, following Germany and the Netherlands.

Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden are also important export destinations for Polish businesses. Indeed, in 2008 the value of Polish exports to these countries exceeded that of goods exported for example to France and Great Britain.

These information appears in a newly compiled report by the Scandinavian-Polish Chamber of Commerce (SPCC). Since its establishment in 2004, the SPCC has become the third largest bilateral Chamber in Poland in terms of membership, bringing together almost 340 companies from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden under a Scandinavian umbrella.

Also 2009 was a strong year for Nordic investments in Poland, according to data from PAIIZ. Nordic investors invested last year all in all 110 million EUR into the country, representing every sixth of the new investment projects started.

“The interest of Nordic businesses in Poland continues to increase and they already play an important role in the Polish economy, not only as investors but also as employers and corporate citizens”, says Peter Nielsen, Chairman of SPCC.

“Looking into the future, the constructive engagement of Poland and its local regions in the new EU growth Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region presents us with opportunities for further expansion of trade, as well as cooperation and development of partnerships between Nordic and Polish companies”, Mr. Nielsen continues. “The Nordic-Baltic region has great potential of becoming a leading centre for “green growth”, sustainable development and high prosperity for all its citizens.”

The Scandinavian-Polish Chamber of Commerce is a result of the merger of the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish business associations in 2004. Based in Warsaw, SPCC also has a network of local representatives in Poznan, TriCity area, Krakow, Wroclaw and Szczecin.

“SPCC wants to use the strong economic position of Scandinavia in Poland to be a strong voice for Nordic investors”, Mr. Nielsen concludes. 

The full report on Scandinavian investments in Poland is available at http://www.spcc.pl/images/file/nordic_investment_in_poland_outlook_spcc.pdf

For more information please contact:

Agnieszka Kowalcze, SPCC Director, tel. +48 22 849 74 14; e-mail: akowalcze@spcc.pl
Peter T. Nielsen, SPCC Chairman, tel. +48-693 204 806