Episode description

In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Explore Markets Founder and Managing Partner Fredrik Udd discusses opportunities for doing business in Poland and other parts of Europe. 

Explore Markets, based in Poland, offers market research, supply chain help, export readiness assessments and other services. It works with international companies expanding operations in central and eastern Europe, as well as the Nordic nations. 

Udd touts the strength of the Polish economy, calling it a “powerhouse” for Europe in business, politics and defense. 

“It’s the land of business opportunities in Europe … development in Poland over the past 20, 30 years has been just fantastic and it’s really mindblowing to see what Poland has achieved during these years,” he said. 

Along with highlighting Poland’s economic growth since joining the European Union in 2004, Udd paints an optimistic picture for the future of the country’s economy. He notes it has “outperformed all other European countries” over the past few decades along with other major economies around the world. 

“So you have a stable strong growth, sort of just like a train that keeps on running,” he said. “And now you see big investments, big potential ahead.” 

The podcast also touches on economic shifts in the region linked to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as potential opportunities for Polish companies looking to set up shop in the United States. Udd says more of these businesses are now looking outside the country’s borders in the past five years or so. 

For U.S. companies aiming to expand elsewhere, Udd said most export-oriented businesses will find opportunities in Poland, particularly those in manufacturing. That includes machinery, automation solutions, material handling and more. This sector accounts for nearly one-fourth of Poland’s GDP, he said. 

“The manufacturing industry is a traditionally strong industry and sector in Poland, that’s something that couples really well with the U.S. and with the Midwest,” he said. “So I think there are really good opportunities there.” 

Talking Trade is hosted by E.M Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik and M.E. Dey & Co. President and Managing Director Sandi Siegel. 

“Talking Trade” is now available in audio form on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe and find more episodes here.