Bilateral trade between Poland and South Africa stands at roughly $1-billion a year, says Polish embassy first secretary Slawomir Sonarski.

The trade balance is somewhat in Poland’s favour, with $640-million worth of goods and services exported to South Africa in 2011.

The potential for trade between South Africa and the central European country is around $5-billion, says Sonarski.

“We think this is a realistic level of trade. People are not yet aware of the business opportunities that exist between the countries.”

He adds that the two countries’ economies are similar in many respects, as both have a strong focus on automotive manufacturing and mining, with 80% of Poland’s electricity generation needs also fulfilled by coal, similar to the situation in South Africa.

Poland produced more than 870 000 vehicles in 2009, with 90% of these exported. South Africa assembled 550 000 vehicles in 2012, with just over 50% exported.

Many of the original- equipment manufacturers present in South Africa are also active in Poland, such as General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota. Poland, however, has a larger number of component manufacturers – 900 – of which 600 are local companies, and the remainder multinational firms.

Automotive trade includes South African exports of catalytic convertors to Poland and, in turn, the import of fully built-up vehicles from the European country.

When considering stumbling blocks to increased trade and investment between the two countries, Sonarski says there is “sometimes a lack of inform-ation on the huge opportunities that exist in South Africa”.

“Africa is the future – everybody is coming here.”

Sonarski says, while it also appears that there are government incentives on offer to invest in South Africa, it often remains unclear as to exactly what they are, and if they have been finalised yet – especially within industrial development zones.

Obtaining work permits for qualified staff also simply takes too long, he adds.

“But the general climate for investment in South Africa is good.”

While Poland, with its highly qualified, lower-paid workforce, is still notching up growth, despite a bleak outlook for its neighbours, it would be in its favour to diversify the ranks of its trading partners, as around 80% of Poland’s trade is with the financially troubled European Union.

Next month will see the arrival of a mining and construction equipment mission from Poland in South Africa, with a food manu- facturers mission also making a return visit.