Hannover, December 5, 2016 – Every year, one country is spotlighted at the world's biggest trade fair for industrial technology: Hannover Messe. In 2017, Poland is being featured as the show’s official Partner Country. Polish industry stands out in many different sectors for its innovation and growth, which hold promise for companies and investors around the world.

Following in the footsteps of India and the USA, Poland is looking forward to its role as Partner Country at Hannover Messe 2017 – and not only because Germany is its largest trading partner. Poland’s industry has an impressive track record in terms of growth and innovation. The country’s development plans centre on reindustrialisation, the promotion of innovative enterprises, and expansion onto foreign markets. Poland will showcase its entire technological spectrum in Hannover – with special emphasis on IT and energy.

“Hannover Messe is the perfect place to showcase the strengths of the Polish economy, and further deepen economic relationships – particularly between Germany and Poland,” says Dr Jochen Köckler, member of the Managing Board at Deutsche Messe.

Pawe? Chor??y, State Secretary in the Economic Development Ministry, described Poland's motivation as follows: “The Polish government sees supporting the development of innovative companies and their international expansion as one of its most important tasks. The international industry fair in Hannover offers Polish firms an outstanding opportunity to present their technologically advanced products and make valuable business contacts. As Partner Country to Hannover Messe 2017, we want to showcase the variety, dynamic spirit and innovative power of the Polish economy, and further extend our international ties.”

Polish foreign trade is a success story. Its biggest partner for both imports and exports is its direct neighbour, Germany. Poland's other key foreign trade partners are Great Britain, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. And Asian and African markets are increasingly coming into its sights. Mechanical engineering and vehicle construction were among Poland's strongest segments in 2015. These areas gained more than 10 percent in the import rate, at a total volume of €63.6 billion.

Last year, imports and exports generated total foreign trade of €354 billion for Poland. Imports rose 4 percent over the previous year, and exports 8 percent, allowing Poland to register a trade surplus. However, from now until 2018, the Polish National Bank is estimating growth of Polish imports in the range of 7 to 8.5 percent annually, which would even out the trade balance.

German companies delivered goods valued at €40 billion to Poland in 2015. This accounts for 23 percent, or almost a quarter of all imports. Germany is also in the lead on the export side, with 27 percent of all Polish exports going to German buyers in 2015. Poland is presenting its entire technological spectrum in Hannover – with a particular focus on IT and energy topics. In signing the Partner Country contract, Some 80 Polish companies already presented innovative Polish industry and research solutions at Hannover Messe 2016. In Hall 3, exhibitors demonstrated prototypes and developments in space exploration, electrical and automation technology and robotic engineering. Hannover and the entire world of industry are looking forward to Poland's even bigger presence in 2017.