Śląskie SILESIAN REGION

Location is a big advantage of the region. The small distance to the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and the Slovak Republic as well as the fact that within 600 km one can find 6 European capitals i.e. Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest and Berlin makes this region very attractive for investors and tourists. LOCATION

SILESIAN AGGLOMERATION This is the biggest urbanized area in the Central Europe. It consists of more than a dozen cities and several towns. The agglomeration area constitutes 18% of the whole region with the population density of 1900 people per sq. km. Over 2 million of people live here. The agglomeration area has got the densest road and railroad network.

KATOWICE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The airport is situated approx. 30 kilometres north from Katowice. Not only the residents of the region use the services of this airport but also the residents of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Katowice International Airport is the major regional airport in terms of cargo services and the second biggest in terms of passenger traffic.

ROAD NETWORK Silesian Region has got the densest network of dual carriageways and motorways. From west to east there is an A4 motorway and from north to south a new A1 motorway is being built. The cities of Silesian Agglomeration are connected with a dual carriageway.

EUROTERMINAL IN SŁAWKÓW In the town of Sławków in Silesian Region within the area of Katowice Special Economic Zone a railway terminal is located. It is situated at the joint of the most westward section of wide gauge railroad (1520 mm) with the railroad functioning according to the European standards (1435mm). Direct connection with the intercontinental Trans-Siberian Railway and so called New Silk Road – going from China via Kazakhstan allows for the development of the Far East – Asia – the Western Europe container transport.

HUMAN RESOURCES The indicator of the high level of urbanization of the region is the fact that almost 79% of the residents live in 71 cities what in turn means that every third big city in Poland is situated in Silesian Region. the unemployment rate: 10,8 % (in Poland: 13,1 %) in March population aged 25 to 59 years : 53 % of the population 65,5 % of the population is within the economically productive age group 17 % of the population is within the economically post-productive age 45 universities 10 % of the whole group of students in Poland 10,9% of the whole group of graduates in Poland

ECONOMY Silesian Region is the most industrialized region in Poland. 13% of the Polish gross domestic product (GDP) is being generated here what ranks the region on the second position within the country. Silesian’s GDP is higher than the national average. The share of services in regional economy amounts to 60% and of industry comes to 33% what ranks the region in the first place in the country. Silesian Region is famous for its well developed automotive, metallurgical and mining industries as well as food, electromechanical and IT industries.

The region is the major car producer in the country. Every year around cars are being produced here, 90% of which is for export. Mining and metallurgical industry, the traditional branches of the regional commerce, have been adjusted to the free market reality. Based on the existing resource centre the biggest in the country industrial district has been established in the region. ECONOMY

Silesian Region as the first one in the country devised „The Regional Innovation Strategy of the Silesian Voivodeship for years ”. Implementation of „The Regional Innovation Strategy of the Silesian Voivodeship for years ” allows for : the strengthening of the regional innovation system by combining the sector and technological networks; supporting small and medium enterprises as well as research and development institutes that have got an influence on the economic growth and the advance of technology and science. REGIONAL INNOVATION STRATEGY

INVESTMENT ATTRACTION Source: The Gdańsk Institute for Market Economics

INVEST IN… In Silesia Region was created the Integrated Silesian Investment Information System Here you can find the recent news from Silesian communes and districts, local press and economic portals. In our region there is Silesian Investor Assistance Center, which is responsible for: -economic promotion of Silesian Region in Poland and abroad; - assistance for foreign and domestic investors.

KATOWICE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a perfect combination that satisfies the needs of investors with the needs of a particular region within the borders of which it has been established. Each zone is a special area within the borders of Poland assigned for business activity on preferential conditions. An investor within the area of the SEZ is guaranteed tax exemptions and another advantage is the fact that one may start his activities on specially prepared improved land. For 15 years of its activity over 170 companies have invested 4,5 mld € and have created posts. com.pl

Silesian Region is a place of grand cultural, sport and religious events. At the Silesian Stadium and in Spodek concert hall and sports venue the greatest artists took the stage. Among many Silesian Region hosted such artists as: U2, Genesis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and Pearl Jam. Many festivals are organized in the region: Rawa Blues Festival which every year gathers thousands of blues fans and The Beskidy Highlanders’ Week of Culture, in other words, the oldest folklore event in Europe. Additionally, one of the most interesting alternative music event i.e. Off Festival in Mysłowice has its home in Silesian Region. CULTURE

Silesia is full of positive energy. You can see that even from the outer space...

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION Marshal Office of the Silesian Voivodeship Department of Economy Department Tel.: