“Globalization is a necessity, not a choice.” Andrzej Jaworski on the inevitable processes of the modern economy

Globalization is no longer a choice but a necessity, emphasizes Andrzej Jaworski, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In an interview with Daily Mare, the former CEO of PZU and VRG Group explains how Polish companies can successfully expand into foreign markets, why Asia and the United States are becoming strategic directions for growth, and how digitalization, innovation, and the green transition are opening new opportunities for the Polish economy.

only here business maritime economy commerce opinions and comments work at mare news

19 october 2025   |   12:28   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Oskar Wojciechowski   |   Print

Andrzej Jaworski fot. archiwum prywatne

Mr. President, today we increasingly hear that Polish companies need to look for new markets and partners abroad. How does the Chamber support entrepreneurs in this process?

Andrzej Jaworski: Our main objective is to create a platform for dialogue and the exchange of experiences among companies seeking to expand their international presence. We organize trade missions, business forums, and B2B meetings where Polish entrepreneurs can directly establish relationships with partners from Europe, Asia, and North America.

You mentioned cultural and legal differences. What are the biggest challenges for Polish companies entering foreign markets?

The most common challenges are a lack of knowledge about local regulations and an underestimation of the importance of personal relationships. In many countries — for example, across Asia — trust takes time to build and is based more on partnership than on the business contract itself.

That’s why we aim to prepare entrepreneurs not only from a formal perspective but also mentally. We show them that effective cooperation requires patience, openness, and respect for different business standards.

Do you see particular directions of expansion that will be crucial for Polish companies in the coming years?

Of course, the European Union remains a natural area of cooperation, but we are increasingly focusing on strategic markets such as the United States, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These are dynamic economies with a growing middle class and a strong demand for high-quality products.

An important part of our trade missions is the promotion of Polish food products — healthy, natural, and valued for their taste and quality. Recently, we have been particularly successful in promoting Polish beef, which has been very well received in Asian markets. This example shows that Polish food has tremendous export potential and can become a true showcase of our country abroad.

What about China, which remains one of the largest markets in the world?

China is a demanding but absolutely key partner. On the one hand, it is a challenging market in terms of regulations and culture; on the other, it offers enormous sales opportunities. We see particular potential in the food sector, where Polish products are perceived as safe and high-quality.

Moreover, China is becoming increasingly active in the field of investment — both in infrastructure and in green energy. That is why we treat this market as a priority, building partnerships with local chambers of commerce and business organizations.

You also mentioned Central Asia. What role do Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan play in the Chamber’s strategy?

These countries are very interesting for several reasons. First, they lie at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and are playing an increasingly important role in transport and trade corridors, especially in the context of the New Silk Road initiative. Second, they possess significant energy and mineral resources, opening opportunities for cooperation in extraction technologies, infrastructure, and energy. Third, they are rapidly developing consumer markets seeking new suppliers. Poland has the chance to become a strategic partner there, particularly in the agri-food, construction, and tourism sectors.

In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about digitalization and innovation. How do they impact international cooperation?

Digitalization has opened new opportunities. A few years ago, trade missions were mostly associated with delegations and travel, but today we increasingly organize hybrid B2B meetings online, allowing first contacts to be made faster and more cost-effectively. In terms of innovation, Polish companies are becoming more competitive — we have excellent engineers, tech startups, and solutions in energy, biotechnology, and medicine that find global customers. The Chamber supports these processes by promoting our achievements at international trade fairs and conferences.

You mentioned the energy sector. Is it also a focus area for the Chamber?

Absolutely. Energy is one of the key areas of international cooperation. On one hand, we are talking about traditional resources — oil, gas, and coal — where Poland and regional partners can collaborate with Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. On the other hand, energy transformation is increasingly important, including the development of renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and energy efficiency. Polish companies have interesting solutions in this area and can become part of global supply chains in the energy sector of the future.

You also mentioned startups. How does cooperation with financial partners on foreign markets work?

This is a very important direction of our activities. Partners from the US and Asian markets are increasingly interested in investments in Europe, including Poland. We are seeing growing involvement from funds and capital groups looking for opportunities in the Polish real estate market, tourism, as well as startups in new technologies, energy, and medicine. For Polish companies, this means not only access to capital but also to global networks and the experience of investors who can help accelerate growth.

What goals does the Chamber set for the next five years?

First, further internationalization of our members. We want every company that joins us to have a real chance to enter foreign markets. Second, building lasting cooperation networks with chambers and business associations around the world, so that Polish entrepreneurs are present in global supply chains. And third, developing competencies in sustainable development. I believe that only by combining economic expansion with climate and social responsibility can we secure a lasting position for our companies in international markets.

Many entrepreneurs are still hesitant to explore foreign markets. How can they be encouraged?

I encourage courage. Globalization is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. Every company — regardless of size — has the opportunity to find its place in the world if it is consistent and well-prepared. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is here to make that journey easier and to support them.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

globalizacja ekspansja międzynarodowa rynki zagraniczne andrzej jaworski izba gospodarczo handlowa

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick