Interview with Mr Robin Barnett HM British Ambassador to Poland 

Would you describe Poland as an attractive places to invest?

Poland is the largest country in Emerging Europe and the biggest opportunity for UK companies in the region. Our countries enjoy a strong, strategic relationship. Bilateral trade exceeded £11.4 billlion in 2011. It is clearly an attractive destination for foreign investors in a range of sectors.

Could you name some of the British companies who decided to invest in Poland? What were the reasons for their choice?

Two great examples of British investment in Poland are Tesco and GSK. Tesco is one of the leading, innovative retailers in here. They not only appreciated the local market opportunity, but are now also a key driver of Poland’s food and drink exports. GSK is the leading innovative R&D based pharmaceutical company in Poland. There is huge demand for modern pharmaceuticals here but GSK is also Poland’s leading exporter of innovative medicines . Both companies have identified Poland as a strategic hub for their business in Emerging Europe.

Mr Robin Barnett, HM British Ambassador to Poland

How do you assess Poland and Polish people both as business partners and as coworkers?

The UK and Poland share a lot in common. Many Poles live and work in the UK and there are a great many success stories. We work well together. Since EU accession the relationship has flourished both in terms of culture, education and business. The future of the business relationship is bright.

Do you think that European debt crisis can particularly affect bilateral economic relations between Poland and the United Kingdom?

Not necessarily. The Eurozone crisis has affected all EU countries, whether or not they are Euro members. However, the most recent trade statistics show that despite the unfavourable circumstances in 2011 UK exports to Poland increased by 11.6% from 2010 to £4.3billion.  Over the same period, Polish imports to the UK increased by 14% to £7.1billion from 2010. So there is plenty of scope to build on this positive trend, both in trade and investment. This includes greater Polish investment in the UK.

Do you think that entering the EU financial pact will support the results of the economies of the United Kingdom and Poland?

The importance of the fiscal pact relates to strengthening fiscal discipline In Eurozone. Although the UK will not sign it, it supports the ongoing efforts to end the present crisis. Moreover, though the UK has not signed up to the pact, a comprehensive package of reforms to cut the public deficit is being implemented. Equally importantly both Poland and the UK support the EU growth agenda.

British Embassy in Warsaw

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