There's a lack of support for expansion for established companies. "We're starting over every time."

• - At the government level, there is no understanding that supporting the expansion of Polish business brings tangible long-term effects for the national economy - says Jakub Nowak, president of JNT Group.
• He added that in the procedures for granting funds for foreign expansion, there is no accelerated program for companies that already have an established reputation on the Polish market, know how to operate on foreign markets and have financial liquidity.
• A report on foreign expansion and the role of Polish diplomacy will soon be published on the CIS and CIS Economic Trends websites: "New exports, new diplomacy - where are Polish companies heading?"

How do you assess the commitment of Polish business support organizations to providing real assistance to local entrepreneurs? Your recent statements at the European Economic Congress were dominated by skepticism.

- The topic of increasing the involvement of Polish business organizations in the interests of entrepreneurs appeared at this year's European Economic Congress, just like last year.

This year, I organized a meeting with representatives of PAIH, KUKE, BGK, and PFR to discuss the status of business aid programs. The general conclusion is that these programs are working, but they aren't fully coordinated between these institutions.

Another challenge is that there is no accelerated program or shortcut for companies that already have a solid reputation— that is, businesses that have proven their worth in the Polish market, know how to operate in foreign markets, and have financial liquidity. Every time our company seeks support for another investment, we start over: business support organizations require us to explain our operations from the ground up. Consequently, due to lengthy formal competition procedures, the topic often becomes obsolete before they are completed. This consequently limits the possibility of international expansion for Polish businesses.

It is worth noting that from our perspective, an investment costing between 2 and 5 million euros does not constitute a significant burden, considering that we operate on a scale of approximately 100 million euros, even if a given project fails completely.

Is this because there is no single coordinating institution designed to support businesses in foreign expansion?

"I don't think so. The most important thing is to create a strategy that supports the largest possible export from the country to foreign markets, just as was the case in Germany 30 years ago . Our western neighbor's automotive industry flourished because factories were relocated to Poland, where labor was cheap, and all the technological development remained in the country, thus keeping the profits in Germany."

Foreign investment is an opportunity not only for the company that internationalizes its business, but also for the entire sector

For our company, investing in a company in Romania also presents an opportunity for Polish producers of bottles, packaging, and marketing solutions, who have followed our investment in the country. Our venture into the Romanian market was also financed by a Polish bank. These activities are driving the national economy.

Unfortunately, in Poland, such awareness is often lacking. As entrepreneurs, we operate in a different economic cycle, considering our level of commitment. Western companies invested heavily 30 years ago. Meanwhile, our entrepreneurs often outperformed large international corporations in the domestic market. This potential must be tapped.

Business support activities at the government level do not go beyond the government cycle

However, at the government level, there is no understanding that supporting the expansion of Polish businesses will yield tangible long-term benefits for the national economy. At the central government level, projects continue to be implemented according to term limits, which define the timeframe for action.

What does the internalization of state business look like in the context of investments in Romania, which is an EU country but still not fully established in the Community structures?

"We're taking long-term action. It's true that Romania, although a rapidly developing economy, still holds itself to certain standards. To thrive in this market, you need to familiarize yourself not only with different regulations but also with a business culture that differs from that in Poland."

What are your company's future foreign expansion plans? Will you remain in EU markets or pursue opportunities outside the EU?

"Considering typical exports, we want to be present in at least 30 countries within three to five years, and our goal is 50 new markets. We're currently investing in Romania, where we operate in the same way as in Poland. We're currently working on another international project, which we hope to complete this year, and we'll be running our business as we do in Poland, having a company there. For now, I can only say that it will be a large European Union country."