Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON- Wisconsin businesses interested in increasing product and services
sales to Poland and the Czech Republic and learning more about these markets
should consider joining Gov. Jim Doyle’s Trade Mission from Nov. 8-16, 2005.
“Both of these new European Union countries hold great promise for Wisconsin
companies seeking to build their export volume,” Gov. Doyle said. “For the
first quarter of 2005, Wisconsin exports are up 142 percent to Poland and
109 percent to the Czech Republic. I look forward to helping mission members
learn firsthand about these markets and make the contacts that will lead to
future business.”
Poland has the largest economy ($472 billion) of the new European Union (EU)
member states, and is the sixth-largest market in the EU on the basis of its
population of 40 million. Poland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.7
percent in 2004 and is forecasted to remain above 4 percent for the next two
years. The Czech Republic has the second-largest economy ($161 billion) of
new EU members, and has the top-ranked business environment in Eastern
Europe. Its GDP grew by 4.6 percent in 2004 and is forecasted to remain
above 3.7 percent for the next two years. Both markets have strong
potential for Wisconsin manufacturers of industrial machinery, environmental
and pollution-control equipment, medical devices and transportation
equipment.
The mission will travel to Prague and Warsaw. During the mission, businesses
will have the opportunity to meet with pre-qualified agents, distributors,
and potential customers; set expansion strategies; and meet with key
government officials. Participants will also take part in briefings and
business receptions with the U.S. Ambassador, and attend several events with
government and business leaders.
The Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) will coordinate the mission. The Governor’s expenses will be covered
by private funds. Companies interested in joining the mission can contact
Jennifer Winner, Commerce, at
608/266-0413, or Lora Klenke, DATCP, 608/224-5119.
