Wrocław on the campaign trail

The Wrocław Now campaign is supported by 700 billboards, a website at www.terazwroclaw.pl and a roadshow backed by the three biggest investors in Lower Silesia, Hewlett-Packard, Siemens and Volvo.

"We want to create a new trend in Poland," says Tomasz Gondek from the promotional department of the City Council. "Because the unemployment rate is decreasing and the population is ageing, it is the newcomers that will take decisions on the economic, scientific and cultural success of the city. The exceptional climate has become the main selling point for the campaign."

Companies are aware that the number of young people is declining whereas more and more international firms are investing. "We want to hire well-qualified workers," says Andrzej Styliński, a spokesperson for Siemens. "The knowledge-based economy is developing and the city is known for its good higher education standards. Besides, Wrocław is a good place to live." The roadshow, which lasts until December 1, is a chance to meet the representatives of HP, Siemens and Volvo to talk about the companies and learn what their expectations of would-be employees are. The organizers intend to visit Poland's seven biggest cities.

Rafał Dutkiewicz, the Mayor of Wrocław, has very ambitious plans concerning the city. He wants to attract tourists and people who want to stay in Wrocław longer. "We have come up with a number of ideas and we will do our best to achieve that," he adds.

Wrocław is also working on an international gathering for SMEs seeking to establish trade, financial, strategic or technological partnerships. The 11th International Business Development Forum takes place on May 31, 2006.