Regional power

The 17th edition of the Forum, to be held in September, aims to contribute to that process

Konrad Kiedrzyński: What will the upcoming Krynica summit offer participants?

Zygmunt Berdychowski: The Forum will give [participants] the opportunity to hold discussions on the most important economic and political issues related to the membership of the new EU member states and the shape of the European Union as such. The meeting will also concern doing business in sectors of particular importance, such as energy.

How do you see the economic future of the CEE region?

What we see now shows that the first two years of membership in the EU brought enormous, tangible benefits both for member states from CEE and for those countries which decided to open their labor markets. Despite the apprehension of certain countries, the entry of the new citizens into the EU labor market has clearly been something positive, not negative. They [workers from new EU countries] do not bring about unemployment, but rather [stimulate] economic growth, and have contributed to the prosperity of EU.

Should Poland work to strengthen relations with CEE member states within the EU? Would such a strategy give Poland a stronger voice in the Union or would it lead to isolation?

Over the last two years we have witnessed the growing integration of CEE countries. The fact that we differ in many ways does not mean that we should not take advantage of [regional] integration. We can only benefit from such consolidation, and this can strengthen Poland's position in the EU.

If it joins these other countries to speak with one voice, Poland has a greater chance of achieving its goals.

What should the region do to move from being a production-based economy to one based on research and development (R&D) and hi-tech industries?

The best we can do is to lower taxes, simplify procedures for registering a company and make the judicial system more efficient and transparent. This is how we can attract those who set the pace of the global economy. In fact, Poland has a chance to be the country that will set the pace in the region. Still, at present, all the most important R&D centers are outside the country.

Would you say that Polish businesses are making good use of the beneficial economic situation?

We are witnessing a great growth in investments and exports in Poland. Not many countries can boast of such results as we can.

What should Poland do to become a bridge between the East and the West?

The integration of the West and the East cannot be completed within a month, or half a year. For a better dialog with a country like Russia, we need increased EU integration and a common policy toward this country. In this respect, the Polish voice will remain one of the most important in the EU. Of course, one of Poland's key priorities is also a close relationship with Ukraine. Such consolidation can only bring benefits, both for Poland and for the EU.

Does Krynica have a chance to become the "Davos of the East" as many already call it?

No, our scope of interest is not as broad as that of Davos. Our focus is to create the opportunity for a meeting between "old" and "new" Europe. In that respect we still have a lot to do.

Warsaw Business Journal is a media partner of the Krynica Economic Forum. For more information, visit www.forum-ekonomiczne.pl