L to R: Ms. Paulina Dzwonnik, translator; Mr. Henryk Judkowiak, president of the
Wielskopolski Capital Club; Ambassador Patricia Ann V. Paez; and Mr. Andrzej Lyko,
president of the Polish Chamber of Commerce for Importers, Exporters and Cooperation.

L to R: Mr. Henryk Judkowiak, Amb. Paez and Mr. Andrzej Lyko

The Philippine Embassy in Warsaw conducted a trade, investment, tourism and cultural “roadshow” in the Polish city of Poznan in partnership with the Polish Chamber of Commerce for Importers, Exporters and Cooperation and the Wielskopolski Capital Club at the Sheraton Poznan Hotel last 22 October 2014.

Mr. Andrzej Lyko, the Chamber’s president and Mr. Henryk Judkowiak, president of the Capital Club welcomed Philippine envoy to Poland Ambassador Patricia Ann V. Paez.

She gave an overview about the Philippines, the economic and fiscal headways it made within the framework of good governance under the Aquino administration, the opportunities on trade and investments, including those under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) scheme, and the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives which the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) offers.

Amb. Paez said that the Philippines’ GDP grew by 7.2% in 2013, the second highest growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region, and that it grew by 7.3% during the second quarter of this year. The country’s current account surplus grew by 4.4.% also for this year’s second quarter at US$ 3.1 million. Amb. Paez also informed the representatives of various Polish companies that the Philippines has been hailed by Japan’s JETRO as “the most profitable location in Asia” and by the American Chamber of Commerce as “the most improved business climate” in Southeast Asia.

Noting the Aquino administration’s relentless campaign to stomp out graft and corruption, Amb. Paez said that its successs is evidenced by the improvement in the Philippines’ ranking in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (2012) which put the Philippines in the 105th spot, or a + 24 improvement from its previous year’s 129th spot.

She added that the Philippines has been given investment grade status by reputable international credit rating agencies such as Fitch, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s. This means lower interest payments, more credit avenues, and more foreign investments. From January to July this year, foreign direct investments into the country amounted to US$ 4 billion or a 56.1% year-on-year increase.

Amb. Paez also presented a backgrounder and current profile of the bilateral relations between Poland and the Philippines and invited the representatives of about 20 companies to join the planned Polish Business Mission to the Philippines. She also informed them that the only and last Polish Business Mission to Manila was held in 1999 or 15 years ago and it was led by Mr. Hendryk Judkowiak with many participants from Poznan.

Mr. Lyko and Mr. Judkowiak said that they are looking for partners in the Philippines for the import and export of goods from both Poland and the Philippines. They said that they have been encouraging their many members to participate in the Philippine market and to join the business mission to the Philippines.

The exhibit entitled “The Philippines: The Making of A Nation” was also set up in the venue and the video “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” was played during the presentation.

The Polish participants were given information materials from the Board of Investments such as: “Basic Facts for Investors,” “Frequently Asked Questions;” and “A New Day for Investments: Coherent, Consistent & Creative.” A bottle of the iconic San Miguel beer, a CD of Philippine love songs in classical guitar, and a CD of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” were likewise handed as give-aways to all attendees  to  the Philippine roadshow. 

Ambassador Paez giving an overview of the Philippines

Mr. Lyko speaking about the trade prospects Poland and the Philippines

Mr. Judkowiak announcing that the Chamber and the Club have started enlisting
participants to the Polish Business Mission

Video showing of "It's More Fun in the Philippines"

21/10/14
4/11/14