Prof. Jerzy Buzek, Member of the European Parliament

One of the biggest fortunes of our country is the entrepreneurship and energy of Poles, liberated in 1989. Those have largely contributed to the fact that Polish economy was the only in EU to resist the recession of 2009. Our entrepreneurs create work places, contribute to the development of Poland and stand as ambassadors of Poland abroad.

One of the aims of the European Parliament’s activities is to improve the position of small and medium – size companies in the entire European Union. Presently, they generate about 60% of the Union’s GDP and create nearly 70% of all workplaces. Therefore, it is so important to solve the issue of their access to capital or creating the European patent system.

European Congress of Small and Medium – Size Enterprises is a professional background for the Polish government and European Union. We need to remember, that more successfully and effectively working entrepreneurs today mean wealthier, more competitive and safer European Union tomorrow.

Andrzej Arendarski, President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce

After 20 years of functioning in the conditions of a free market economy and first experiences in entering foreign markets, the most important challenge standing in front of Polish business today is the development of innovation and knowledge – based economy. The process of transforming the Polish economy into such model of economy cannot be accomplished without involvement of the SME sector companies.

Private enterprises generate about 70% of GDP and hire around 70% of workers in the national economy. Therefore, prosperity of us all depends on their success. SME companies constitute a mainstay of the Polish economy and its future will be conditional upon their functioning in the sphere of innovations. Small and medium – size enterprises determine the economic development of the EU countries as well. Therefore, we ought to do everything to make it easier for small and medium – size companies to have access to innovations. The European Congress of Small and Medium – Size Enterprises in Katowice is a perfect occasion to reflect on these matters.

Tadeusz Donocik, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice

The mottos of this year’s Congress are: Modern SME through good management, From the local to the world without boundaries, and The world of innovations is created in SME. During particular panels, experts and experienced managers of Polish and European companies will present current trends and directions in management, which constitute daily concerns of every entrepreneur. Furthermore, the problems of internationalization, innovation in economy and cooperation between local and economic self – government will be explored. A crucial role in a comprehensive discussion about SME’s problems will be played by politicians, representatives of public administration and world of scholarship, who will participate in the event.

Supporting the development of micro, small and medium – size enterprises, we support actions of the most resilient and numerous sector of the Polish economy, which is also the most important employer, which hires over 60 % of workers and generates 50 % of GDP. The development of SME means, thus, the development of Poland.