Nearly a third of Polish companies are considering investing in Ukraine in 2025 even if the war with Russia continues, Polish daily Rzeczpospolita reported on Tuesday, citing a survey.
The poll of 500 firms from the manufacturing, services, and trade sectors found that 29% are considering investing in Ukraine. The survey was commissioned by Atlantic Contract, a local business consultancy that helps firms to participate in tenders held by the US Federal Government.
"It's not surprising that Polish entrepreneurs want to be present in a country with enormous economic potential," Atlantic Contract CEO Łukasz Reszka told Rzeczpospolita. "The post-war reconstruction offers a gigantic chance for business."
Some 21% of the surveyed companies completely ruled out investments, while nearly half voiced concerns due to the risk of the conflict intensifying, Rzeczpospolita reported.
Although Polish companies believe they hold an edge over Western competitors due to their proximity and the business relationships they've established over the past three years, firms from other European Union (EU) countries and the US are already establishing a presence in Ukraine.
"Those who are on the ground during tough times will have a much greater opportunity to sign contracts than newcomers who arrive when it's safe," Reszka noted.
Polish companies are still waiting to benefit from the €7.8 billion ($8.72 billion) in credit guarantees the EU is providing through its Ukraine Facility fund, the report said. Poland has not yet completed formalities to take full advantage of the guaranties, while countries like Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and France have already allocated funds to support their firms, with some set to issue first loans as of Oct 1.
