The Economic Section is responsible for monitoring and managing the full range of economic relations between the U.S. and Poland. Since 1989 the United States has actively supported the development of a vibrant market-based economy in Poland and the strongest possible economic partnership between the two countries. The Economic Section works closely with other Embassy offices – particularly the Commercial Service and Foreign Agricultural Service – to promote U.S. business interests in Poland.
Issues handled by the Economic Section include:
- Economic reform and macroeconomics
- Finance and banking
- Multilateral trade and economic policy
- Telecom and e-commerce
Economic partnership with Poland in the EU
“A strong, vibrant Europe is a necessary and essential partner for the U.S.” –U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez
Given the high volume of U.S.-EU trade, the United States is committed to maintaining sound and open economic relations with the EU in order to provide optimal conditions for business and investment. President George W. Bush has repeatedly emphasized the importance of breaking down trade barriers to facilitate global economic growth.
With this goal in mind, the United States is working with European leaders to develop consensus on transatlantic economic integration.
Economic reform and macroeconomics
Over the past 15 years, Poland has been a leader in Eastern Europe in making a rapid and successful transition to an open capitalist market economy. This period has been characterized by GDP growth rates among the highest in the region, and foreign direct investment and exports continue to rise. Additional macroeconomic data may be found at:
Promote bilateral trade and investment
More than 18 years after the fall of communism in Poland, U.S.-Polish trade relations continue to develop and grow at high speed. The Economic Section at U.S. Embassy Warsaw works to ensure this trend continues, promoting and facilitating bilateral trade and investment in order to bring the United States and Poland closer together as economic partners.
More on our site:
- The U.S. Commercial Service in Warsaw and the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce cooperate with the Economic Section to provide support for U.S. businesses launching operations in Poland.
- Since the emergence of an open market in Poland, numerous American companies have found rewarding business opportunities in Poland. List of Regional Governments provides quick links to all 16 regional governments containing useful resources for potential investors as well as general information.
Protection of intellectual property rights
Intellectual property rights recognize the value of creative ideas and original expression, including inventions, artistic works, industrial designs, and brand names. Dedicated IPR protection, incorporating appropriate legal provisions as well as effective enforcement, is critical to providing an environment favorable to commercial innovation and economic growth.
Intellectual property rights legislation is issued at the national level, but World Trade Organization member states must adhere to the requirements of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This agreement outlines minimum guidelines for intellectual property protection that apply across the board for WTO members and require protection for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
In accordance with the United States’ commitment to enforcing intellectual property rights, the U.S. Trade Representative annually examines IPR protection around the world and publishes results in its Special 301 Report.
Environment, science and technology
The Embassy’s Environment, Science and Technology office, housed in the Economic Section, encourages cooperation and communication between Poland and the United States on science and research issues. We work with the government, research institutions, NGOs and private companies to achieve this goal.
U.S. Climate Change Policy
The United States is committed to working internationally to address the long-term challenge of climate change while also ensuring that our climate policy is consistent with our broader and urgent development goals. Effective policies are based on meeting the multiple objectives of improving energy security, promoting economic growth and development, reducing poverty, reducing traditional air pollution, and mitigating greenhouse gases.
As part of this multilateral effort, the United States actively participates in the following international initiatives: Methane-to-Markets Partnership, International Partnership for a Hydrogen Economy, Future Gen, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, Global Environmental Facility, Tropical Forest Conservation Act, and the President’s Initiative Against Illegal Logging.