The impact of the global crisis and recent European upheaval on the Polish economy showed quite clearly that economic cooperation should not be conducted in one direction only, even if it is a safe direction.

For years now economic experts have pointed out that the lack of diversity and domination of one customer or market are harmful to foreign trade in the long run. Falling and violently fluctuating currency rates, political turbulence and a host of other problems may put exporters in a catastrophic situation almost overnight – as many Polish enterpreneurs found out the hard way when recession caused a slump in orders from Poland’s main EU partners.

The lesson taught by the crisis should, therefore, give an impulse to more diversification in foreign trade. The Polish economy must also open up more to the world. A good start could be the much-discussed matter of building up better trade contacts with the East. True, the crisis has demonstrated that the eastern markets do not guarantee full safety – on the other hand, however, we must be aware that the EU markets are becoming increasingly saturated while the East certainly offers vast and unexploited potential. A good case in point is Russia, which is rebuilding its economy after the crisis and striving to regain investor confidence. The political situation in Poland after the recent presidential election gives hope for broader trade and cooperation with Russia.

According to Russian observers partnerships with Polish firms could prove an attractive option for Russian enterpreneurs. Poland is an EU country and Polish firms have access to new technology and EU funds.

Innovation can become a very promising field in Russian-Polish cooperation. EU funding has given Poland a unique opportunity to build an innovative economy, post-crisis Russia has also turned its attention to innovation. In fact, innovative economy has become a point of interest for Russian leaders, which means the issue is a top priority there. Other cooperation areas include science, technology, the foundation of Russian-Polish companies producing both for the Russian market and Europe. I think such cooperation is quite realistic. Especially as both countries have a lot to catch up on regarding innovation, which is an additional impulse to act.

Last December’s Pan-Russian Innovation Congress in St. Petersburg raised huge interest. In May the Polish Chamber of Commerce held the first Innovative Economy Congress in Warsaw, which was also a big success. Perhaps it would be a good idea to field a joint Russian-Polish meeting next year? Until now Russian and Polish researchers have mainly concentrated on historical studies – perhaps the time is ripe to turn to other, more future-oriented fields?

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Founded in 1990, the Polish Chamber of Commerce (KIG) is the biggest independent commercial organization in Poland with the largest personal membership and affiliating more than 140 commercial organisations. KIG is a member of Eurochambres (Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.