Silesia on show
Agnieszka Le Nart: Silesia has long been defined by its mining industry. How is the character of the region evolving in terms of industry, economy and property development?
Katarzyna Kłodzińska: Until recently, Silesia was mainly associated with heavy industry based on the exploitation of its wealth of iron ore, zinc, lead and especially coal. Today, mining is losing significance as a profitable industry, as coal is becoming increasingly unpopular as a fuel source. There is strong evidence of restructurization processes in effect throughout the region, resulting in the dynamic growth of a number of alternate sectors, particularly the automotive industry.
What are the region's economic prospects?
The Silesian voivodship has a number of prospects based on its heritage of industry - the most highly-developed in Poland and among the most advantageous in Europe. Among the factors that make the region attractive to investors are the dynamic consumer market, good transportation infrastructure, special economic zones and incentives and a plentiful supply of skilled labor. Katowice, Gliwice, Tychy, Bielsko-Biała, Sosnowiec and Bytom are among the most significant areas for economic development in these respects.
What is the role of the special economic zones in revitalizing industry in the region?
The Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) was created in 1996 and includes four subzones: Gliwice, Jastzębie-Żory, Sosnowiec-Dšbrowiec and Tychy. The strategic goal of the KSEZ is to promote the region's economy, granting financial incentives for key investors, creating jobs and restructuring existing industries. Currently, there are a number of firms operating in the region, providing jobs for residents and stimulating the local economy. There are many automotive and machinery manufacturers, in addition to firms in other sectors, such as Bioton, HP, Hilton Foods and Maspex Logistic. Real-estate developers are also making their mark, particularly with regard to retail projects. The residential and office markets will see more growth in the near future.
How are property values being affected by economic growth?
The prospects for an increase in prices are quite significant, as evidenced by the ratio of average salary levels to price per sqm. As the economy develops and becomes more competitive, salaries rise and the buying power of the region's inhabitants is increased.
How will Silesia's investment potential be addressed this week at CEPIF?
At the CEPIF real-estate fair, several panels devoted to investment prospects in Silesia will be held, exploring all of the economic factors that contribute to an optimistic prognosis for real-estate development and profitability of the sector. As for Rednet Investment, we will be presenting several residential projects in the region, prepared especially for investors and offering preferential contractual conditions. As the entire economy evolves, the prospects on the residential market take off as well. Rednet is looking into a number of projects that have the potential to offer the highest return on investment. Currently, Rednet is working on a project near the Chorzowski Park in Katowice, which promises to be among the largest residential developments in the city.
