Poland a natural partner of TS, says ambassador Burakowski

HYDERABAD: Poland can be a natural partner of Telangana and investors from both countries have opportunities to invest in one another, said Poland’s Ambassador to India Prof. Adam Burakowski.

In the city in connection with the Polish Food Festival, Prof. Burakowski told Deccan Chronicle: “Population of Poland is 38 million and it is similar in size to Telangana. So, we can be natural partners. Telangana investors can come to Poland and invest, while Polish investors can do so in Telangana.”

The ambassador said he will be meeting state government officials during his current trip of Hyderabad to discuss the way forward on this front. Prof. Burakowski described India as a major player in global affairs and one of the most important countries in Asia. “We have a very long tradition of friendship. Our relationship has always been very good. But trade between us has suffered due to Covid,” he pointed out.

A new factor that has strengthened ties between the two countries is increasing Indian diaspora in Poland, including about 6,000 students. “Poland has become more attractive for students ever since it introduced English as medium of instruction in medicine and engineering at major universities,” the ambassador disclosed. There are about 40,000 Indians currently in Poland. Most of them are involved in business, with major Indian companies like Infosys, ArcelorMittal and Tata having their offices in Poland.

“People-to-people contacts are very good. Indians easily find their place in Polish society. In Warsaw alone, there are around 100 Indian restaurants,” he underlined Prof. Burakowski said Polish embassy in New Delhi serves not only India but five other countries – Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan. “What we need is more connectivity. Before Covid, there used to be a direct flight to Warsaw from Delhi operated by Polish airline LOT. We hope to restore this flight soon,” he remarked.

The ambassador said: “I am in the city to promote the Polish Food Festival at Trident Hotel. Our cuisine is based on vegetables and fruits with some meat. Poland is home to over a thousand varieties of soups – sweet, sour, hot and cold. We export fresh fruits and vegetables. We are number one producer of apples in Europe, some of which we export to India. Poland is also the fourth-largest producer of chocolate in the world and the second-largest producer of beer in Europe,” he stated.