Why Poland is one of the most important markets for NRW

Exclusive double interview with Dr. Ralf Geruschkat, Managing Director of Südwestfälische IHK zu Hagen (SIHK) and Kerstin Groß, Managing Director of IHK für Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Oberhausen zu Essen (IHK zu Essen). The interview was conducted by OW author Jonas Prien. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: The SIHK zu Hagen focused on Poland as a growth market early on. Why? Dr. Geruschkat: As the SIHK zu Hagen, we decided early on to focus on Poland because we recognized the country's economic dynamism and enormous development potential very early on. For NRW, Poland is one of the most important growth markets in Europe with high investment dynamics, industrial strength and great openness for cooperation. Poland offers ideal starting points for our medium-sized companies in particular: a strong industrial base, well-trained specialists and an increasingly innovation-driven economy. Added to this are the geographical proximity and close economic ties with NRW. Today, Poland is no longer just an extended workbench, but a strategic partner on an equal footing, particularly in future-oriented fields such as industry, energy and increasingly also defense. This is precisely why it was right for us to set a clear focus here at an early stage. Since September 2025, this work has been further strengthened by the IHK zu Essen as the second focal chamber in NRW. The joint activities kicked off with the highly successful 4th German-Polish Business Dialogue NRW on February 19, 2026 in Essen. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: The Essen Chamber of Industry and Commerce has been the second focus chamber for Poland in NRW since the end of 2025. What prompted the IHK to make this decision and what strategic importance does Poland have for the Essen economy? Groß: Poland has become one of the most important partners in Europe for the economy in NRW and therefore also for companies from our MEO region (Mülheim, Essen, Oberhausen). Poland is one of the most dynamic growth markets within the EU and at the same time a central sales, procurement and cooperation market. Against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties, the European single market as a whole is gaining in importance. Poland plays a key role here, as the country combines economic stability, industrial strength and innovation dynamics. Our current focus is clearly European and our concentration on Poland is a useful addition to our existing international activities. Poland competence of the IHK organizations: Dr. Ralf Geruschkat and Kerstin Groß in conversation with Dr. Lars Gutheil, Managing Director of AHK Poland OSTWIRTSCHAFT: Poland is one of the most dynamic economies in Europe. What opportunities does this dynamism create for companies in NRW and the Ruhr region? Dr. Geruschkat: Poland's economic dynamism opens up a wide range of opportunities, especially for medium-sized companies. These include market opportunities due to increasing demand, opportunities for cooperation along industrial value chains and joint innovation projects. Poland is particularly attractive for companies that want to be more resilient in Europe, for example through nearshoring strategies or partnerships in research, development and production. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: In which sectors is there the greatest potential for cooperation and investment between companies in NRW and Poland? Dr. Geruschkat: From the point of view of the SIHK zu Hagen, there is currently a clear dynamic potential for cooperation and investment between NRW and Poland in the defense sector. Poland is investing heavily in its own and therefore also in Europe's security and defense capabilities, particularly in air defense, drones, cyber, communications and military infrastructure. For companies from NRW and especially from our industrial region, there are opportunities as technology partners, for example in the fields of mechanical engineering, materials, sensor technology, electronics, automation and dual-use technologies. This is flanked by strong potential in energy, infrastructure and digitalization, which are closely interlinked with the defence sector. Overall, we therefore see defense as a central theme of German-Polish economic cooperation, with concrete entry opportunities, especially for industrial SMEs. However, there are of course other potential markets for NRW companies in Poland and vice versa. In line with the existing expertise of our two IHK locations, we have divided these up in our cooperation. With our strong expertise in both areas, we in Hagen focus on the areas of security and defense, classic industry Groß: In Essen, we focus on the Polish potential markets in the energy industry. This includes the topics of decarbonization or energy resilience, as well as the healthcare industry, IT and digitalization. In all areas, we have set ourselves the goal of promoting cooperation between established companies as well as start-ups and innovation-driven companies - both in the direction of Poland and vice versa in NRW. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: Many people have come from Poland to work in the Ruhr region over the past centuries. Does this special connection still play a role today? Dr. Geruschkat: Poland and North Rhine-Westphalia, and the Ruhr region in particular, have had an economic relationship for over 150 years. Their roots lie in the industrialization of the 19th century, when many workers from Poland came to the Ruhr region and, as so-called "Ruhr Poles", played a decisive role in the development of coal and steel. Since the political and economic opening of Poland from 1990, relations have developed dynamically. Today, Poland is one of NRW's most important trading partners: in 2024, North Rhine-Westphalian companies exported goods worth around 13.8 billion euros to Poland. The links are particularly close in mechanical engineering, the automotive supply industry, chemicals and logistics. Conversely, Germany is the most important sales market for Polish products. The Ruhr region plays a key role as an industrial and logistics hub in the heart of Europe. At the same time, the partnership is no longer a one-way street: over 31,000 foreign companies are active in the Ruhr region, including around 3,400 Polish companies, the second largest group of foreign entrepreneurs in the region. This shows how close, diverse and future-oriented the economic relations between Poland, NRW and the Ruhr region are today. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: What support services and events do you offer companies to help them enter the market or expand their activities in Poland? Groß: The aim is to provide companies with practical support without setting up duplicate structures. In Essen, we benefit from SIHK's many years of expertise in Poland. Together, we offer information events, consultation days, webinars and networking formats and work closely with the German-Polish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the AHK Poland. In parallel to our cooperation in NRW, a nationwide cooperation between the seven German Chambers of Industry and Commerce for Poland is also developing. In addition to joint event formats, a joint range of information and advice is being created on a variety of Poland-specific topics. Here we benefit greatly from the expertise of the CCIs along the Polish border. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: Both the Ruhr region and the Polish mining area in Upper Silesia are experiencing far-reaching structural change processes. Where do you see parallels and where can both sides learn from each other? Dr. Geruschkat: Both regions are facing similar challenges: Transformation of industrial structures, decarbonization and the development of new value creation. At the same time, there are different approaches and experiences. The exchange on how structural change can be shaped is extremely valuable for both sides - especially in the areas of energy, industry and qualification. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: German companies are not the only ones looking to Poland - there is also movement in the other direction. What makes NRW an attractive location for Polish investors? Groß: NRW is located in the heart of Europe and offers Polish companies direct access to the German and European market. The location impresses with its industrial diversity, efficient infrastructure and well-established value chains. At the same time, NRW is a pioneer in key transformation issues such as the energy transition, hydrogen and new mobility. The strong research and university landscape ensures access to innovations and skilled workers. For many Polish investors, NRW is therefore an ideal bridgehead for growth in Europe. OSTWIRTSCHAFT: What can companies look forward to in 2027? Dr. Geruschkat: Finally, we would also like to point out that the 5th German-Polish Business Dialogue NRW will take place at the SIHK in Hagen on February 11, 2027. The post Why Poland is one of the most important markets for NRW appeared first on ostwirtschaft.de.