Poland was fifth in Europe last year in terms of attracting foreign investments. According to a recent report by Ernst & Young, foreign investors engaged in 176 investments in Poland, creating about 15,500 jobs. Only the UK beat Poland in terms of new jobs created as a result of FDI last year.

Source: PAIiIZ

According to preliminary data from the National Bank of Poland, the value of FDI in Poland reached €11 (zł.48) billion last year. In 2007 the number was a record high €16.7 (zł.72.9) billion. However, this year’s results are likely to be lower than 2008’s due to the economic slowdown.

This year’s successes

Still, the crisis hasn’t scared all investors away from Poland. Cadbury officially opened a chewing gum factory in Opolskie voivodship earlier this year. The company will also complete the expansion of its present chocolate factory in Wrocław in Q4 2009 and plans to modernize the Wedel plant in Warsaw.

Bianor, a Dutch manufacturer of plastic components and a subcontractor of Bosch, Siemens and Philips, opened a plant in Białystok, when Philips decided to outsource production. Last year Bianor managed to enlist more clients who produce household appliances, such as Zelmer.

Special economic zones are also contributing to attracting investors. Kutno, which lies in the Łódź Special Economic Zone, has this year lured American FMCG-packaging producer Printpack, cereal manufacturer Kellogg and French truck-trailer manufacturer Libner Group, among others.