In the first half of 2023, PAIH’s Export Department worked intensively to support the export and investment activities of Polish entrepreneurs both in virtual and stationary form. Comparing the first half of 2022 with 2023, records are on the rise. The number of signed export contracts increased by 70%, and 28% more inquiries were sent to the Agency. A larger number of people wanted to participate in economic missions organized by PAIH (+73%): the largest increase was in the number of B2B meetings between Polish and foreign entrepreneurs. Compared to last year, over 230% more such meetings were organized.
In the first half of 2023, Polish entrepreneurs, with the help of the Agency, signed 333 export contracts worth over PLN 113 million. The largest contracts were signed with companies representing the following industries: food, machinery, yacht, construction, and heavy industry. This year, PAIH’s employees responsible for export support have also served almost 5,000 Polish and over 1400 foreign clients, providing them with over 16,000 support services.
Entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to participate in numerous events around the world. And, as part of facilitating contacts with foreign entrepreneurs, large events organized by PAIH were also held. Among them, it is worth mentioning one of the largest, the Polish-Emirati Economic Forum, which was attended by over a hundred participants from Poland. Or the Polish-Mongolian Business Forum with the participation of the Presidents of both countries, thanks to which representatives of 19 Polish companies had the opportunity to get to know the distant Mongolian market.
Additionally, at the beginning of June, the Programme for supporting investments of significant importance for the Polish economy was updated. The amendment ensures, among other things, easier access to grants for SMEs, lowering the requirements as to the size of the company and the location of the project, and introducing new investment evaluation criteria.
The aim of the Programme is to support investment projects (strategic and innovative productive investments, BSS, and R+D service investments) aimed at increasing the innovation and competitiveness of the Polish economy. Support is granted in the form of a targeted grant on the basis of a bilateral agreement concluded between the competent Minister and the investor. Under the Programme, investment support will be granted for either: the costs of creating new jobs or investments in property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets. The amount of the grant may be increased in the case of training being offered to employees.
According to the latest update, the minimum value of investment costs to be incurred and the number of new jobs to be created within each type of investment are reduced by 98%, 95%, 80%, and 70% respectively for micro, small, medium, and developing enterprises. The minimum number of new jobs to be created as reinvestment is reduced by 90% and rounded up to the nearest whole number. The amendment also modifies the preferential conditions for investments planned in areas at risk of exclusion. More information about grants is available on this link.