Poland is positioning itself as a key gateway for Chinese automakers seeking access to the European electric vehicle (EV) market, as officials, academics, and business leaders from both countries gathered at the Polish Embassy in Beijing for a China-Poland automotive cooperation forum on Thursday.
Polish Ambassador Jakub Kumoch opened the event by highlighting Poland’s strategic advantages, including a skilled workforce, central European location, and competitive manufacturing costs, arguing that the country is well-suited to serve as both a production hub and entry point for Chinese EV makers expanding into Europe.
“Poland is not only a production hub but also a gateway to Europe for Chinese companies wishing to expand their footprint in the EV sector,” Kumoch stated, while encouraging deeper industrial cooperation.
Data shared during the forum revealed that the automotive sector contributes 8% of Poland’s GDP and accounts for 13.5% of its exports. Despite this economic weight, Poland lacks its own original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), serving instead as a key supplier and assembly location, an opportunity that Polish stakeholders hope to upgrade through the ongoing EV transformation.
Beata Bialon-Dudek, procurement and supply chain director of ElectroMobility Poland, presented her company’s plans to build an EV production hub targeting the European market. The state-owned firm has secured 100 hectares of land for a facility expected to double its output from 150,000 to 300,000 vehicles annually. She praised China’s technological leadership in EVs and expressed interest in establishing a joint venture to create a European EV brand with Chinese collaboration.
Jakub Jakóbowski, deputy director of the Center for Eastern Studies under the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister, addressed ongoing EU-China tariff tensions, particularly regarding EVs. While acknowledging the disputes, he described the risks as “manageable” and noted that both sides are actively working to resolve the issues and maintain stable trade ties.
The forum reaffirmed Poland’s stance on China as a partner rather than a rival. Ambassador Kumoch reiterated that bilateral relations remain strong, with Polish leaders committed to collaboration. According to the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, trade between the two nations remains robust, with Poland importing €49.2 billion ($57.57 billion) worth of goods from China in 2024 and exporting €3.6 billion in return.
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