This week Greg travelled to Poland, for his 3rd ministerial visit. UK-Poland bilateral trade is at near record levels, worth almost £22bn.
It was good to hear from British and Polish companies about the Polish business environment. Greg believes it is vital to speak to businesses at first hand on the opportunities and issues.
The Trade Minster had an excellent meeting with Poland’s Economic Development Minister
Waldemar Buda. They discussed the joint commitments to a regular ministerial and official bilateral trade and investment dialogue as well as a working group on trade facilitation to support trade flow between the UK and Poland.
Greg held further meetings with Polish Ministers to find out more about the Solidarity Transport Hub, Poland’s biggest infrastructure project in 70 years which involves a new airport and rail hub.
Greg enjoyed meeting economic opinion leaders in Warsaw, including his old friend Minister Tadeusz Kościński. This was a good opportunity to explain UK trade policy, how we can help ease UK-Poland bilateral trade and talk about our efforts to help Ukraine.
Business has a critical role to play in helping Ukraine. Greg addressed the Wilton Park Conference whilst in Poland to discuss how the UK and Poland are taking action to bring the world-class skills and expertise of their firms to this important mission. It was especially useful to hear from Ukraine’s Deputy Finance Minister Olga Zykova on Ukraine’s financing needs for infrastructure, agriculture, trade and more.
As Trade Minister, Greg lead the UK-Poland Business, Trade & Investment Taskforce, which was launched in July. It was great to discuss how we can work together to unlock even more opportunities from defence to renewables.
Greg visited Varso Tower which stands as testament to the greatness that can be achieved when we work together. This was a fantastic visit to Poland’s tallest building, reaching 310 metres, which was designed by UK architects Foster & Partners.
Despite a busy schedule, Greg was able to watch England beat Wales in the World cup football match in a British pub in Warsaw!
