Poland is rich in natural mineral resources, as well as in rock salt.

The country also has a large number of private farms in its agricultural sector, with the potential to become a leading producer of food in the European Union.

Generally speaking, Poles judge others by their personal qualities. They therefore like to spend time getting to know people as individuals. This allows them to size people up.
Honesty is highly valued in Poland, since trust is the cornerstone of business relationships. Building personal relationships is essential for successful business dealings, especially if you are looking for a long-term business relationship.
Poles are known for being direct communicators, i.e. they say what they are thinking. However they are also very sensitive to other’s feelings and let that determine, how and what they say.
While direct business communication is valued in Poland, there is also emphasis on finessing, what is said in order to deliver information in a diplomatic way.
The level of the relationship mostly determines, how direct someone can be.
For newly established and more formal relationships, a great deal of emphasis is placed on diplomacy. Once a relationship has passed through the initial phases, people feel more comfortable speaking frankly with each other and animated exchanges become more common.

The most senior Pole generally opens the meeting and sets the groundwork for what is to be discussed.
He may also verbally offer a recommended agenda for the discussions.
Small talk is the norm at the start of meetings; do not rush proceedings, as this is part of the relationship building process.
The first few meetings may in fact seem to be more small talk, than business discussions. If this is the case, it means that your Polish colleagues are still sizing you up and have not yet made up their minds.
You may want to consider this as an opportunity to get more personal and try and form that relationship.
Lunch and dinner meetings are often used to further the personal relationship.
Meetings tend to be relatively relaxed, once the personal relationship has been established.
Hard facts are important, so participants come well-prepared with facts and figures to back up their statements. Foreigners would be expected to do the same.
Business decision-making processes tend to have a hierarchical basis, and therefore many decisions will be taken at the top echelons of the company.
Final decisions are translated into rigorous, comprehensive action steps, that you can expect will be carried out to the letter.

Monday - Friday: 8.00am – 7.00pm.

Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm.

Monday - Friday: 8.00am – 8.00pm.

Saturday: 8.00am – 2.00pm.

Legally permitted opening hours:

Monday - Friday: 9.00am – 8.00pm.