French investments in Poland are situated, first and foremost in three fields: telecommunications (30%), in industry (23%), and in large shopping chains (20%). Other fields in which France is active in Poland are energy generation, construction, hotel industry, municipal services, real estate, the media, agricultural and food processing. French capital  in late 2008 was estimated to be EUR 15 billion. There are almost 900 French businesses on the Polish market of which 10% are large investment companies. French firms continue to be among the largest foreign employers (around 160,000 jobs). French investment in Poland is responsible for the notable growth of Polish exports, with more than 50% of goods produced by French companies in Poland being delivered for export. Large French companies are paying great attention to the next stage of business privatisation and related tenders in the defence, aviation, automobile and shipyard industries.
Polish investments in France are of no great significance, they are estimated to be around EUR 500 million. Despite the attraction and absorption capacity of the French market, the implantation of Polish capital is proceeding at a lazy pace, the reasons for which are primarily the large competition existing on the market and its great demands as well as high promotion costs, complex administrative procedures, high labour costs and social benefits.
Services. Polish companies were able to render services on the French market and participate in public tenders without restriction from the moment Poland entered the European Union. The overriding majority of these companies represent the construction and assembly industry (67%), industries (16%), hotel industry and catering (6%), trade (4%) and agriculture (3%).
Polish businesses are displaying a growing interest in the French services market, implementing increasingly large contracts, participating in trade fairs and exhibitions and in public tenders with increasing frequency though with reserve. In general terms, Polish companies enjoy a good standing  among French  partners in terms of contract implementation, work effectiveness and quality of services.
When Poland entered the European Union its citizens were also given a greater opportunity to settle and work in France, with the restrictions defined by the transition period. It also must be stressed that a growing need exists for Polish medical personnel (doctors in several specialities, nurses and physiotherapists) apart from standard industrial and service professions, as well as truck drivers. 
Prospects. Energy generation, agricultural and defence issues weigh heavily in government-level bilateral economic relations. Other areas of mutual interest are environment protection, transport infrastructure and innovation in the economy. But the growth prospects for Franco-Polish economic relations seem to be bright. The standing of Polish companies should basically consolidate in construction, repairs and assembly services and also cooperation in industrial production as well as related investments. Labour costs in Poland, which still are highly competitive, continue to be attractive for French companies, in conjunction with the high quality of Polish management personnel, investment benefits (in Special Economic Zones), European funds, geographic location (springboard to eastern markets) and also membership of the Schengen area since early 2008.
Andrzej Szteliga
Counsellor-Minister
Head of Trade and Investment Promotion Section
Polish Embassy in France