Poland in Pakistan

Historical view 

Regardless geographical distance, first Polish explorers reached the current lands of Pakistan already in the European Middle Ages. Later, throughout the 19th century, two Polish researchers – Jan Gołaszewski i Bronisław Grąbczewski – created the first topographic description of Hunza and Karakorum, the latter reaching Indus' spring. During World War II more than 21,000 Polish war refugees – evacuated from the USSR by gen. Władysław Anders' army – found shelter in Karachi and Quetta. Then, during crucial years of Pakistan’s nascent statehood, Polish airmen – veterans of the Polish Army in the West – lent notable support towards the creation of Pakistan Air Force and civil aviation. Particularly distinguished gen. Władysław Turowicz helped shape the framework of Pakistan's space program. Although not always at the forefront of global news, our connection has been ever friendly, positive, and respectful. Achievements of Polish and Pakistani mountaineers – ascensionists of the highest mountaintops of the Karakorum, Hindukush and Himalayas – are an especially notable aspect of it.

Political cooperation after 1989

Relations between Poland and Pakistan have intensified when Pakistan joined a group of states fighting terrorism after the WTC attack. The visit of President P. Musharraf in Warsaw in 2007 and Foreign Ministers in 2010 in Warsaw and 2011 in Islamabad, can be counted among the most notable official contacts. Additionally, there have been visits of Speakers of our respective Senates in Poland in 2011 and 2013 as well as in Pakistan in 2012 and 2018. Poland and Pakistan currently enjoy excellent and very cordial relations. A deep, ongoing political dialogue has taken root with regular visits and consultations between Deputy Foreign Ministers, the last of which took place in December 2019. What is more, Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khurram Dastgir Khan as well as COAS gen. Q.J. Bajwa have visited Poland in 2018. 

Economic cooperation between Poland and Pakistan is gathering pace. In 2018 our trade turnover crossed the threshold of €500 mln and is currently still on an upward trajectory. Especially notable are the areas of energy and exploration of natural resources, in which Polish companies belonging to the Polish Oil & Gas Company (PGNiG) group have been engaged in Pakistan for over 20 years. 

Poland has also been a major supporter of including Pakistan in the GSP+ program, which is a special incentive arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance, removing tariffs on over 66% of EU tariff lines. Pakistan currently benefits from this inclusion as growth of exports to Europe has been particularly fast since the award of GSP+, rising by 50% to €6.7bn in 2013-19, €5bn of which in textiles.

Business in Poland

Invitation to commercial activity in Poland

We wish to encourage the Pakistani business community to explore Poland in the context of business possibilities, investment opportunities, import and export connections, and promotional campaigns. Poland is a stable, Central European, free-market economy adhering to the highest European standards of quality and conditions. At the same time, it is a rapidly developing market, combining the expertise and technological development of advanced economies with prices, pace of growth, and opportunities more often found in rising markets. Situated in the geographical center of Europe, it lies on the crossroads of major trade and transit routes pumping the lifeblood of the continent’s commerce. 

Below you may find useful links concerning business in Poland:
Why in Poland?
What in Poland?  
How in Poland?
With whom in Poland?
Export promotion portal in Poland

Trade Expos in Poland
Katowice Congress Centre
Expo Silesia 
PTG EXPO
IEM Expo 2020
Poznan
Rzeszow 
Kielce 
Gdańsk
Cracow
Expos in Cracow
Warsaw 
 
Export Promotion Portal
Doing Business in Poland
Polish Investment and Trade Agency
Conducting business in Poland by foreigners
Opening business in Poland
Polish Companies Search Engine

Whether musical, filmographic, or culinary the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Islamabad organizes and participates in a number of cultural events. The foremost among them is “Poland & Pakistan. Music Without Borders”, which has received international attention by connecting Polish and Pakistani musicians, whose seemingly disparate musical styles and traditions blend into one-of-a-kind, harmonious compositions.

Links:

Music 
First Central European Short Film Festival

Pakistani and Polish universities have begun establishing comprehensive ties, which manifest as faculty exchange and cooperation, research collaboration, and student exchange.Moreover, University of the Punjab has two Memoranda of Understanding with universities in Poland – the Jagiellonian University in Krakow as well as The University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw.

University admission for Pakistani students in Poland is open, and follows the same rules and regulations as for all international students from outside the EU/EEA. Similarly, Polish students can apply and study at Pakistani institutions in accordance with specific university rules regarding international arrivals.

Recognition of Education

Diplomas issued by Pakistani universities are NOT automatically recognized in Poland and have to undergo an official administrative recognition procedure performed by a province education superintendent. 

Further information:

Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange 
Recognition of foreign certificates of foreign school certificates and diplomas in Poland

Attention! Foreign certificates and diplomas should be authenticated, that is legalized by the authorities of the state in the education system of which they were issued.