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Poland is set to invest PLN 250 billion annually in various sectors, relying on the support of banks to achieve this ambitious goal. The importance of financial institutions in assisting businesses, participating in multi-billion public investments, sustainable development, and digitization were among the key topics discussed at the ninth edition of the Corporate and Investment Banking Congress.
The event brought together representatives from major players in Poland’s financial ecosystem, including commercial banks, government institutions, and think tanks. It also provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs from both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and establish valuable business relationships.
This congress is part of the broader European Financial Congress project, an annual series of seven conferences focusing on different aspects of Poland’s economic development. It aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and the formulation of concrete macroeconomic forecasts.
One of the central themes of the discussions was the readiness of the Polish banking sector to co-finance massive multi-billion investments, including energy transformation, military modernization, and infrastructure expansion, with an estimated value of PLN 250 billion annually for the next decade. Polish banks are expected to shoulder a significant portion, around PLN 160 billion annually, by leveraging surplus capital and reinvesting annual profits.
The ability of banks to support the Polish economy will depend largely on sound economic policies, predictable legislation, and the utilization of funds from the National Reconstruction Plan and other EU programs.
In contrast to previous years, this year’s congress was marked by a sense of optimism, as the Polish economy has weathered recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The challenges and threats facing the Polish economy were also discussed, including the regionalization of the economy, the technological revolution, the end of the era of cheap money, achieving climate goals, demographic forecasts, geopolitical tensions, and regional security concerns.
While the immediate future looks promising, the long-term perspective presents significant challenges that will require maximum mobilization and collaboration among all market participants.
The 9th Corporate and Investment Banking Congress also addressed other critical issues, such as the involvement of banks in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, coordination between public financial institutions and the capital market, and the potential of Private Equity Funds. Additionally, there was a debate on the need to protect strategic resources, like coking coal essential for renewable energy production.
In conclusion, the complex and multidimensional opportunities and challenges ahead underscore the importance of dialogue and cooperation among the various entities comprising the banking sector. The Corporate and Investment Banking Congress continues to provide an esteemed platform for such discussions in Poland.