Politics at the border must not destruct Polish interests

Poland needs unchangeable and predictable economical relations with China. Closing the border with Belarus for 2 weeks was a mistake that could have cost us a lot – the erstwhile Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Janusz Piechociński, who attended the ceremony at the Embassy of China, estimates.

The 76th anniversary of the creation of the People's Republic of China was celebrated in Warsaw on 23 September, in the presence of the fresh Ambassador Lu Shan. In his message Janusz Piechociński, president of the Chamber of manufacture and Commerce Poland-Asia, recalled that China is the second planet economy, the first industrial power and trading partner, with whom Poland achieves an exchange of over EUR 40 billion annually. ‘We cannot afford our relation to be held hostage by immediate political decisions. Stopping the railway traffic in Małaszewicz was not a signal of force, but a signal of weakness that strikes the credibility of Poland as a partner“ He stressed.

Piechociński pointed out that present 32% of Chinese imports are supply goods for the Polish industry, which means that unchangeable trade with Beijing is straight linked to the condition of Polish companies and jobs. ‘We see how much the Polish economy depends on global supply chains. alternatively of short-sighted gestures, therefore, we request a serious strategy for cooperation with China – in the areas of technology, transport, manufacture and not just agriculture.“ He said.

The erstwhile Deputy Prime Minister besides pointed out that China invests in Polish ports, companies and education, and that the presence of hundreds of Chinese companies and thousands of citizens conducting economical activity in Poland shows possible that cannot be underestimated.

Janusz Piechociński pointed out that relations with China should be treated cross-party and with work for the long-term interests of the state. ‘Today, erstwhile traffic at border crossing points is resumed, it is essential to draw conclusions. The Polish economy cannot be held hostage by political emotions – due to the fact that the bill is always paid by entrepreneurs and citizens“ He concluded. (JC)