ABOUT THE CONGRESS

The interest expressed in the fourth edition of the Eastern Economic Congress confirms that the regular meetings held in Białystok have become part of the timetable of the most important economic conferences in Poland for good. The Eastern Economic Congress has proved its worth as a concept and has already become a permanent feature of the public debate on the prospects and opportunities for the eastern regions of Poland.

In all its diversity, Eastern Poland forms a single entity that demands a coherent vision and strategy, but also co-creates the concept for its own development.

What are the assets that the Polish Idea for the East could be based on? How to assess the effects of the actions taken with Eastern Poland in mind to date, and what conclusions can be drawn from such an assessment? What corrections do the eastern strategy require in view of the changing social expectations and the new conditions, be it international or domestic?

The main debate, which aims to search for answers to the questions outlined above, will determine the directions this year’s Congress is to take. The areas determined in this manner will provide content for the debates spanning a wide range of topics.

It is impossible to discuss the economic potential of Eastern Poland without debating exports and investment, as well as the role of EU funds in the development of the eastern voivodeships.

The theme of young and creative entrepreneurship will be continued; apart from the start-ups, there are also other issues to be raised as part of the Congress, namely traditional (including family) entrepreneurship, economic co-operation, and business environment.

The topics that are to be presented in a new, important and interesting contexts include the labour market, the future of smaller urban centres, and sustainable development that utilises environmentally friendly technologies.

The participants in the Congress will also discuss transport infrastructure, while taking into consideration the new international initiatives and projects.

Specialist debates will concern such issues as the future of the agri-food industry in Eastern Poland and the directions of development of the health care system, tourism and the hotel industry. International issues will be enriched with Polish-Lithuanian and Polish-Belarusian economic meetings.

The profile of the topics of this year’s Eastern Economic Congress will combine matters of importance to Eastern Poland with new phenomena and challenges. We expect that this proven formula will attract an array of people to Białystok, including businessmen, investors, politicians from the region as well as from other parts of Poland and Europe, financiers, local authorities, experts, and scientists.