53rd World Economic Forum in Davos — a centre for discussion on today's challenges
18.01.2023
The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's barbaric aggression against Ukraine have undermined the foundations of the world as we have known it so far, and globalisation has changed its course. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki attended the 53rd World Economic Forum, a platform where world leaders discussed current challenges. The head of the Polish government met with key business and political figures including the CEOs of Intel, Coca-Cola and ArcelorMittal. The Prime Minister also took part in a panel discussion on the use of technology in tackling crises, as well as a panel on security and strategic investment projects. The Davos Forum is an opportunity for talks and discussions that give rise to new ideas and concepts in economic governance. Moreover, it is a chance to attract new investors to Poland.
Peace in Ukraine — a priority for Europe
It is difficult to discuss economic or social stability in times of geopolitical turmoil. Hence, at this year's Davos Forum, issues of the war in Ukraine were the focus of many discussions. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed that Poland has and will continue to play a key role in matters related to Ukraine.
"Poland plays the role of a European think-tank. We are the ones who are situated the closest to Ukraine, who are most strongly involved — together with our NATO allies, of course — in supporting Ukraine. We are often asked about solutions for the future, about how we should continue to help Ukraine together", Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed at the 53rd World Economic Forum in Davos.
Speaking to politicians and businesspeople from around the world, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki reminded them that by no means is the war in Ukraine over and the country requires further support from the free world — primarily military, humanitarian and financial. The conclusion of the war in Ukraine will set the stage for a new world order. It is clear to Poland that there is no return to the situation before 24 February 2022.
Polish House Davos — a place for discussion
The Polish House was a centre for discussions about Poland and broader Central Europe. Among the issues discussed was the potential of technology to facilitate crisis response, as well as issues of strategic investment projects and security in Central and Eastern Europe. During the discussion, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki noted that the world must return to development after the war in Ukraine — one that ought to be fairer and more sustainable. The Prime Minister also discussed possible improvements concerning international taxation and tax havens and stressed the importance of investing in renewable energies and nuclear energy. This is the future we envision and Poland's voice in this regard is being heard.
"I am glad that the idea of 'let's fight against tax havens together' is becoming increasingly mainstream. I believe that in this way we will also contribute to building a more sustainable, fairer economic and social order for Europe as well as for Poland", said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also met "one-on-one" with numerous CEOs of global companies, including Intel, Coca-Cola, Dell, Equinor, AstraZeneca and ArcelorMittal, which have a global reach and significant impact on the world's economy, technological development and innovation.
Poland is attractive to investors
Last year saw a significant increase in foreign investment in Poland — a rise of about 19% compared to 2020. This upward trend will likely continue. The government is encouraging investment in Poland and the positive statistics of recent years are a very strong sign of confidence prevailing in the business community.
"Our lessons learned from the difficult times — ranging from the pandemic to the ongoing war —motivate us to pursue an ambitious investment policy. And indeed, that is what our government has launched", the Prime Minister explained.
Strong macroeconomic foundations, a stable political situation and favourable investment conditions brought Poland record-breaking foreign investments in 2021, reaching PLN 114 billion despite the pandemic — the fourth-best result in the European Union.
