Spanish investment in Poland

In Spain, Poland is in fashion. This was evident at the last Barcelona Meeting Point exhibition. The theme "Poland" dominated the conference part of the event, and Poland was listed by both Spanish and international experts as the best investment destination in Europe. Spaniards perceive Poland through their own experiences. They see a similarity between today's Poland and the Spain of 10 years ago and predict that, following its EU accession Poland will undergo similar development processes."

During the last 5 years Poland became one of the major recipients of direct investment in Spain. Steadily growing interest in the Polish market was further boosted by hosting the Football Championship Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Spanish investors have interest in participating in the construction and take part in expansion of infrastructure for this project (highways, stadiums, hotels).

Currently the Spanish companies consolidate their positions and make further investments. An example might be Groupo Ferrovial and Ferrovial Agroman, which are the major shareholder Polish company Budimex and Spanish companies Acciona, Fadesa and Realia, whic are strategic investors Mostostal Warszawa.

It is worth emphasizing current investments of Spanish Comsa. It’s Polish branch Trakcja Polska (Traction Poland) debuted on 1 April 2008 on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Traction Poland occupies a leading position in the construction and assembly services for Polish rail transport, renewable energy and municipal services.

Very active in the Spanish investors are also very interested in the Polish car industry. An example might be a factory of diesel engines built by Grupo Cropu in Legnica and the plant producing plastic parts for vehicles build by Algontec

There is a constant growing trend of the Polish- Spanish energy sector represented by Spanish investors: Iberdrola, Endesa Polska, Gamesa, Grupo Sniace. Spanish capital is also invested in banking and insurance, as well as food.

In 2007, the value of Spanish investments in Poland exceeded 521 million, representing more than 160% increase over the years 2006-2005. However, due to financial and economic crisis the volume of investments fell to 61 million euro in 2008.

Polish investment in Spain

Polish direct investment in Spain has been very limited, amounting to between 23.9 million euros in 2000-2007. In 2007 reached 128 thousand. euros, 35% less than last year. The reverse of this trend is expected in 2009 as Polish economy is experiencing the fastest growth in Europe. The most important factor for Polish investment is impememntation of the Euro. The introduction of the Euro in Poland was sheduled in 2012, however this summer the government changed the plan and has not yet announced the new date. Poland could adopt the euro in 2014 if the general government deficit is reduced in 2012.