ABOUT THE CONGRESS


First, the East!

The first two editions of the Eastern Economic Congress (EEC) yielded conclusions on the problems and prospects of Eastern Poland – from the perspective of both the inhabitants of the region itself, as well as Warsaw, Brussels and even Vilnius and Kiev. The purpose of large conferences is not to prescribe detailed solutions, but rather to enrich knowledge and encourage dialogue between businesses, politicians, scholars and the media. This year, the EEC may prove particularly useful.

You are invited to attend the 3rd Eastern Economic Congress in Białystok from 22-23 of September, 2016.

Numerous inquiries about the dates and themes of this year's EEC indicate it has solidified its position among the most important economic conferences in Poland. However, tradition does not mean fossilization. This multilateral, cyclical debate – devoted to a region with potential as high as Eastern Poland – should focus on current, long-term processes conditioned by geopolitics and history; and at the same time identify recent trends that will have a significant impact on the development of eastern Polish territory.

For this reason, we would like to outline the main themes of this year's congress in a slightly different way, by introducing a few new threads.

It is impossible, of course, to ignore the role of the East in relation to a range of relevant issues – starting with a variety of cross-border cooperation projects (i.e. opportunities), and ending with geopolitical and economic problems and threats to the stabilization of Europe. Investments in infrastructure and local governments, investment of EU funds, exports, energy production, the agri-food industry, the healthcare market and tourism are still fundamental for the development and future of Eastern Poland.

Among new key points for discussion at the congress are how the new socio-economic strategy of the state will influence the future of Eastern Poland, and the increasing role of start-ups in the wider context of an innovative economy, whose development in Poland leaves much to be desired. We expect that the outline of this year's EEC will attract over a thousand businessmen, local, national and European politicians, investors, financiers, local government officials, experts, scholars and journalists. We believe that this congress will provide a framework for the continuation of a significant and necessary public debate.