From October 15 to 18, 2019, Quebec SMEs will have the chance to take part in a trade mission to Katowice, Poland, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal’s Acclr experts. The trade mission will be held as part of the 9th European Congress of SMEs, the largest event dedicated to SMEs in Europe.
Why Poland?
With a population of 38 million and GDP of $593 billion in 2019, Poland is the largest economy in central and eastern Europe. The country ranks second among Europe’s emerging markets and showed growth of 5.1% in 2018.
Poland offers many business opportunities. In 2016, Canadian exports to Poland were CAD$616 million, making it the 10th largest export market for Canada in the European Union (EU). Furthermore, since 2017, thanks to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Canadian companies have benefitted from the elimination of customs duties on 98% of the merchandise they export to the EU.
The Polish market is comparable to the Quebec market when it comes to technology needs in the services sector. The two also have similar characteristics, such as a low unemployment rate, an aging population and a low birth rate. Here are a few sectors that offer business opportunities for Quebec SMEs:
- Aerospace
- Automobile
- Medical technology
- Cybersecurity
- Electricity
- Video games
- Environmental and energy solutions
- Digital and industrial technology
- Transportation, mobility and logistics services
- Information and communication technology
The 9th European Congress of SMEs
Held in Katowice, the 9th edition of the European Congress of SMEs expects 7,500 participants from 37 international delegations. For three days, from October 16 to 18, participants can have discussions with over 500 experts and panelists and take advantage of the Biznes Expo Fair. This fair, an important part of the Congress, offers a unique opportunity to make professional contacts and welcomes over 100 exhibitors from different countries.