Dynamic development, openness to innovation and excellent conditions for business make Warsaw the leading centre of Central and Eastern Europe. That is why the city will once again present its economic and investment potential at EXPO REAL – the biggest trade fair for property and investment in Europe.
On October 4-6, the participants at EXPO REAL 2023 will get to know the most important investments planned and currently underway in Warsaw. – The key to selecting priority investment areas is always our residents, their quality of life in a sustainable, ecological environment. Our aim is to improve the quality of life in the city, care for the environment and increase the city’s resilience to climate change, says Michał Olszewski, Deputy Mayor of the City of Warsaw, who is leading the city’s delegation at the fair. – We are the region’s leader, ready for the challenges that the future will bring. Participation in EXPO REAL is an excellent opportunity for Warsaw to promote itself internationally and a chance to attract valuable partners for cooperation and further activities to enhance the development of the capital, adds Michał Olszewski.
The EXPO REAL trade fair has been held in Munich since 1998 and is regarded as Europe’s most important platform for connecting investors with representatives of the real estate industry. It is attended by cities, regions, companies, investors, developers, and trade media from all over the world. In the previous edition, 1,885 exhibitors from 33 countries presented their offers in a space of 75,000 sq m, attracting 39,923 attendees from over 70 countries. This year’s Warsaw’s zone will cover an area of 111 sq m in pavilion A2. The main idea contained in the proposed architectural concept is to refer to the greenery in the urban infrastructure. Hence the greenery intertwines on the stand just as it fills the urban arteries of Warsaw. An important detail is the outline of the map of Warsaw, which was placed in the background of the vegetation. In creating an elegant, minimalist, natural materials-based development, the designers combined warm wood tones with cool concrete. In addition to vegetation, the harmonious composition is complemented by glass elements, a discreet reference to the design of Warsaw’s office buildings. The VIP room has gained space, which will contribute to greater comfort during meetings. It will be adorned with photographs of the capital city, taken by Aleksander Małachowski, a Warsaw-based photographer of the young generation, author of the famous graphic entitled “Polska Gościnność” (eng. “Polish Hospitality”).
Content programme
The City’s message for EXPO REAL 2023 is: “Warsaw – Smart People. Smart Technology. Smart City.” Its representatives will promote selected investment projects within the New Centre of Warsaw – the Central Square, the Museum of Modern Art, Hala Gwardii, Chmielna and Złota streets, the pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Vistula, as well as the development of transport in Warsaw, using the example of bicycle and tram infrastructure and the new metro lines. This year’s edition will be packed with interesting panels and discussions with representatives from the capital’s delegation. On October, 5 at 2:30 p.m. Michal Olszewski, Deputy Mayor of the City of Warsaw, will participate in a debate with the mayors of Gdańsk and Łódź to discuss how Polish cities are successfully attracting investors. This will be followed by a 3 p.m. panel on ‘Decarbonisation of urban logistics’, featuring Wojciech Wagner, Deputy Director of the Architecture and Spatial Planning Office of the City of Warsaw. Later that day at 3:15 p.m. there will be a meeting entitled “The Polish Real Estate Market in 2024: Rebound & Renewal or Continued Caution?”, during which Michał Olszewski will speak once again. The day will conclude with a networking session at 5:00 p.m. in the Warsaw’s zone with representatives of the city and partners as well as invited guests.
Investment potential and economic development of the Polish Capital City
Warsaw invariably maintains its position as the leader in terms of the volume of modern office space in Poland – at the end of June 2023, it amounted to more than 6.25 million sq m. The capital is also the third and also the fastest growing hotel market in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the region’s leader in ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance). According to the PLGBC 2023 report (Polish Green Building Council), more than 46% of the region’s certified building stock is located in Poland, of which more than 39% in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The Polish capital is the second largest city in Europe in terms of student numbers, with more than 200,000 students each year. Warsaw is also developing dynamically in the area of the modern creative sector, with a particular focus on start-ups and the game design industry.
This year’s investment offer
During EXPO REAL 2023, the Warsaw delegation will present the full range of Public-Private Partnerships, including the planned development of the Praga Park area and the revitalisation of the Praga Północ real estate with the urban part of the Różycki Bazaar. Warsaw will also promote 4 investment plots:
- at Nocznickiego street (4589 sq m) – Bielany,
- at Krzemieniecka street (3271 sq m) – Bielany,
- at M. Rodziewiczówny street (2765 sq m) – Praga Południe,
- at Cynamonowa street (4780 sq m2 – Ursynów.
The presentation of Warsaw’s investment attractiveness at EXPO REAL 2023 is taking place in cooperation between the city and 14 partners: ADC, Axi Immo Group, BBI Development, Bird&Bird, CMT, ECHO Investment, Futureal | Cordia, Ghelamco, Griffin, Karimpol, Peakside Capital Advisors, SGI, Skanska, Yareal. Warsaw-based start-up SQAR PLAN, which aims to implement new technologies into space management and leasing processes, will also be exhibiting at the stand.
In support of Warsaw’s creative sector, the capital is being promoted at the fair by objects that have been selected as part of the ‘Object Promoting Warsaw – Applied Arts’ competition. The stand will feature Homeliness soy candles, Warsaw gadgets by Love Poland Design, an eco-friendly air freshener by Pani Szyszka, an original bookmark design Sawa by Kasia Brągiel and Warsaw-inspired cosmetics by Koi brand.
Message supported by data
Warsaw will also present a wide range of publications and reports, presenting data on the city’s economic and investment situation:
– “Warsaw Your Place to Invest 2023”, a report created in cooperation with seven renowned agencies: BNP Paribas RE, Colliers, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, Knight Frank, Randstad and Savills, showing the investment potential and the current situation on the capital’s real estate market,
– ‘Warsaw Your Place’, a publication aimed at tourists, future residents, as well as potential investors or entrepreneurs interested in developing their business in Warsaw,
– “Modern Business Services Sector in Warsaw” and “State of Warsaw IT”, reports presenting the development of the service and IT sectors,
– “The Warsaw pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry”, a report produced in cooperation with Biostat, which takes a closer look at the Warsaw pharmaceutical and cosmetics sector,
– “WARSAW – City attractiveness and the office market”, a quarterly report prepared in cooperation with Knight Frank and Michael Page and a Walter Herz report “Why Invest in Poland 2023”.
A clear vision of the future
Thanks to its dynamic growth over the past decades, Warsaw is benefiting from its leading position among metropolises in this part of Europe. However, the changing economic reality requires ambitious action and a focus on key areas that will underpin the capital’s future growth. – Warsaw is a symbol of innovation, a stable economy and resilience. We want to see it continue to develop in line with the idea of sustainability, based on the creativity of residents and local initiatives. Thanks to our openness to innovation, we are ready to adapt to dynamically changing economic conditions. That is why we have identified five key areas of economic activity up to 2040. With them, we want to even more effectively attract entrepreneurs, investors and professionals who see Warsaw as a place of unlimited opportunities, says Michał Olszewski, Deputy Mayor of Warsaw.
The areas selected by the city include:
- creative sector with modern craftsmanship and a thriving games industry,
- agri-food sector, including biotechnology and the bioeconomy,
- modern business services sector,
- green municipal economy with an emphasis on the circular economy and the sharing economy,
- start-up support centre for Eastern Europe.
Their task is to generate competitive advantages for the city, shape Warsaw’s international image, attract talent and build a strong economic brand for the capital.
In the face of global trends and challenges, Warsaw is striving for dynamic growth, building on its potential, human resources and cost competitiveness. The city wants to build a future based on sustainability, innovation and attractiveness to investors, and events such as EXPO REAL 2023 are the ideal place to showcase achievements, plans and visions for the years ahead.
