Poland

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Poland – and most specifically, Warsaw – is a business destination that has definitively gone through a momentous metamorphosis in recent years. The face of Poland has gone through significant changes in the past 15 years, due in no small measure to the country’s accession to the European Union, having joined NATO and witnessing the end of communist rule. Since the communist collapse almost 20 years ago, the country has undergone a dramatic change form being a centrally planned economy to a market economy. Among other factors, the liberation of trade, the privatisation of the vast majority of formally state-owned businesses and a significant influx of foreign investment have drastically improved the economy here. Poland is a large Central European country, to the south of the Baltic Sea, east of Germany, north of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and west of the Ukraine and Belarus. The EU’s eighth biggest city, Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city, is located on the Vistula River, and has an estimated population in its metropolitan area of about three million people. Estimates place the Expat population in Warsaw at about 300,000 people. Poland’s capital provides a near ideal mix for IFAs seeking out a locale that is equally outstanding for business and pleasure.

Warsaw

Warsaw is the epitome of the substantial and exceptional opportunities resulting from the free market economy and the development of democracy. The capital is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, with the increase in investment clearly evident throughout the city and its surrounding metropolitan areas. In fact, Poland’s capital has quickly undergone a significant transformation from its existence as a somewhat lacklustre city into a contemporary and exciting metropolitan area. Recently built commercial buildings house hundreds of companies, research facilities, financial institutions and global organisations. And the demand for high-end commercial and residential space shows no sign of abating. In the past four or five years alone, the investment in Warsaw's expansion projects has exceeded $5 billion, largely funded by foreign capital. Numerous sizeable international business headquarters, including major banks and insurance companies, are located in Warsaw. Many choose the city because of its economic and political stability, as well as its central European location, reputation as a key travel hub, and its advanced telecommunications infrastructure. A city with a population of close to two million, Warsaw is the country's chief university and research centre. It possesses an immense and exceptionally skilled workforce, including approximately 10,000 to 20,000 Expat senior managers. Expats working n Warsaw have continually lauded the city’s high-quality working conditions.

Economy

Warsaw has a decidedly robust economy, and an extremely low unemployment rate – estimated at about 3%. It offers a desirable business environment, which includes - but by no means is limited to - a complete range of modern business services and well-trained professionals familiar with the standards and practices of European cities that are far better known for their attractiveness as business locales. Warsaw’s city centre is home to many national institutions and government agencies, as well as many reputable domestic and international companies. Warsaw, along with Frankfurt, London and Paris, is considered one of the tallest cities in Europe, with 11 of the tallest skyscrapers in Poland. The capital’s tallest structure, the Palace of Culture and Science, is the fourth tallest building in the European Union. The city hosts the headquarters of Frontex, the EU agency created as a specialised and independent body tasked to coordinate the operational cooperation between Member States in the field of border security. Warsaw is also the base for the country’s biggest stock exchange – the Warsaw Stock Exchange - which lists more than 300 companies. Poland is increasingly becoming a magnet for foreign investors and businesses, with the number of company headquarters located in Warsaw on a steep incline.

Leisure Pursuits

Warsaw is the country’s cultural capital, and features an energetic arts centre, with many theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries contributing to its abundant and first-rate cultural offerings. The city’s cultural life is a non-stop experience, starting in September with the Warsaw Autumn, the International Festival of Contemporary Music. The Warsaw Film Festival commences at the beginning of October, as does the Jazz Jamboree. The country’s national theatre, the Teatr Narodowy (or ‘Great Theatre’), is Warsaw’s most renowned stage for the dramatic arts. The Teatr Studio Buffo, the Dramatyczny Theatre and the Powszechny Theatre also remain popular attractions for locals and Expats alike. In addition, Warsaw’s puppet theatres, the Lalka and the Baj, maintain international prominence. Discriminating music lovers have their pick of a broad selection of performances, including those at the Opera Narodowa, the Opera Cameralna, and the Filharmonia Narodowa (National Philharmonic). Museum devotees have an equally varied and sizeable variety of destinations to choose form, including the Muzeum Narodowe (National Museum) and Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Warszawy (History of Warsaw Museum). Not far from the History of Warsaw Museum is the painstakingly reconstructed Royal Castle. The Baroque Wilanów Palace, in the city’s southern section, was King John III Sobieski’s residence. Theatre, cinema and musical festivals are popular forms of leisure in Poland, with many festivals held throughout the country, particularly during the summer months. Street theatre and open air concerts are also very common in Warsaw, Krakow and the other cities.

Nightlife

For those seeking gastronomic delights – there’s absolutely no shortage in Warsaw. Excellent restaurants abound – ranging from the very casual to the ultimate in posh surroundings – and featuring both foreign and Polish cuisine. Many of the restaurants, cafés, night clubs and pubs occupy historical locales or medieval cellars, which have been carefully restored. The nightlife in Warsaw is considered by many to be among the best Europe has to offer, with a vast array of pubs, clubs and places where the celebrations never end. Take your pick of hip bars, basement dance halls and futuristic discothèques, which offer every type of music genre. Warsaw has successfully re-invented itself after the ravages of WWII and the socialist era, becoming a diverse and fast-paced capital city that is well on its way to becoming one of Europe’s most sought after hubs of business, culture and entertainment. So, perhaps Warsaw was not close to the top of your list of most appealing IFA destinations. But it probably should be!