What did Polish-African relations on the business and economic market look like, and what do they look like now?
Over 80% of our trade exchange is Europe, therefore, when in Europe it goes not well, or some types of our products lose competitiveness for many reasons, or Europe will saturate with Polish household appliances, doors, windows, computers in which we are number one, they begin to be problems.
There are no more recipients for some types of products related to modernization, automation of the process. And there are small and medium -sized companies that produce tractors, plows or agricultural machinery – we will not conquer Europe anymore, because there has been saturation. With this assortment you have to go to Mongolia, Central Asia, you have to reach Africa. But you have to do it in a prepared and rational way, build mutual trust. Because there is a matter of gigantic uncertainty.
Please note that as a result of my actions taken in 2015, in 2016 India opened to an apple. We even sold a lot there, but it was enough that Huti blocked a significant part of sea transport. Swimming around Africa for three weeks is not only raising the price, but also the risk that the same quality will not come in a cooled container. And suddenly an important player for our fruit growers falls out. Secondly, Africa is a giant continent with considerable potential, but there is a problem about which Africa we are talking about. To the one in the north, which has different needs, or about the one on the west coast or about the one around the equator, or maybe we are talking about South Africa.
Therefore, I launched this process, which was mentioned very warmly during the speech of the Excellency Ambassador Rwanda and it was him Africa 2012-2013. This is what we started – namely, I asked the rectors of all universities for a list of graduates from African countries. The addresses we have obtained meant that in 2013 in Łódź we had one of the largest Poland -African meetings. Most of them came with their wives because they came to the country of their youth. These are authentic friends, authentic ambassadors of Polish matters, so we should not give up this that as many people from Africa as possible study at Polish universities. That Polish universities would introduce appropriate qualitative changes to their programs and encourage these people through their stay in Poland, through education and learning about our business and European culture were these special people.
Entering new markets by entrepreneurs
Small and medium -sized enterprises are aware that entering new markets costs. First of all, it costs time, because you have to get acquainted with the new market and mentally prepare that it is an investment in yourself, understand a partner. You also need to be aware that today you can not go anywhere – not only to Rwanda, to every country of the world and say that there are people who only sell me. If you do not sell if you do not buy – if you do not have a person who wants to invest – you have already lost.
The Expo bird does a great job, but the exhibitors should not end only at the exhibition. And we, Poles, should talk about it, because we want to strengthen our guests, business guests who want to export here – the vision of Poland as an efficient habu to enter the European Union. The more exotic direction and the more distant country, the more we have to prepare and sell ourselves as Poland. Modern, friendly, cool, interesting, which is growing with the greatest economic growth.
Author: Janusz Piechociński, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy in 2012 – 2015.
