Deputy Minister Grzegorz Piechowiak held a series of meetings with companies managing the special economic zones, which were retransferred from the Ministry of State Assets under the supervision of the Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Technology.

Synergy and coordination of activities in the SEZs are a natural step toward improving the quality of the activities of the pro-development institutions, and preparation of the Polish economy for the post-pandemic reality. The joint, coordinated actions of the ministry, Polish Investment and Trade Agency and the SEZs will further strengthen the investment policy of our country, especially in the short and medium term,

- said Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Labour and Technology and government representative for foreign investment, Grzegorz Piechowiak.

The future of the special economic zones

Moreover, the Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Technology started preparations for the development of a long-term strategy for the SEZs. Until 2026, due to the expiry of the last authorisations under the Act on Special Economic Zones of 20 October 1994 (JoL 1994 No 123, item 600), the SEZs have to find an alternative to the existing activity profile based mainly on hosting investments. The Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Technology is already planning activities in this respect.

SEZs are an important element of Poland's socio-economic system. We intend to develop a long-term strategy for their development to maximise opportunities and reduce risks,

- emphasised Minister Piechowiak.

The termination of the act will fundamentally change the functioning of the zones so far, hence the need to implement new solutions and prepare long-term forecasts and action plans.

Summarising the talks held with the SEZs, Minister Grzegorz Piechowiak pointed out that such direct meetings were very important. “We want to be first and foremost a partner. Only such a form of cooperation will enable us to make high-efficiency use of the potential of development activities.

Piotr Koszewski, Deputy Director of the Department of Supervised and Subsidiary Units, indicated that we want corporate supervision to take place on a transparent basis. We want the zones to feel that they can count on the support of our ministry. The activities of the 12 companies managing the special economic zones, which are subject to the minister responsible for the economy, are not only successes and high revenues, but also current challenges arising from their different business profiles – not necessarily linked to the investment area.

Artur Wycech, head of the Department of Investment Development, mentioned that we are pleased with the excellent performance of PIZ for the first quarter of 2021 and with maintaining a great growth rate in the zones in 2020, despite the pandemic. At the same time, he pointed out that the aim was to maintain this very good pace, but also to move forward in order to prepare for the post-pandemic period as much as possible.

According to Wycech, the revision of the regulation, which is currently proceeded by the government, will helping to achieve this goal.