Polish companies are more and more boldly entering the global technology market – also the Asian one. At the national stand during the Computex fair in Taipei, we talked with Cyril Kozaczewski, director of the Polish office in Taiwan, about the presence of Poland among technological giants, our contribution to innovations and backstage of the development of Polish-Tajwan relations … and not only.
Cyril Kozaczewski is an experienced Polish diplomat who has been the director of the Polish office in Taipei since November 2021. Earlier he was, among others Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Japan (2012–2016).
Although Poland, according to the policy of “one China”, does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Polish office in Taipei is in practice as an embassy. The office director, although not formally, is not entitled to the ambassador, represents Poland in contacts with the Taiwanese authorities, supports Polish citizens and entrepreneurs, and develops economic, cultural and scientific relations between the two countries.
Aleksander Ogrodnik: We are in Taiwan, in Taipei, on the occasion of Computex; One of the largest, if not the largest event dedicated to new technologies, especially AI. We are accompanied by Polish entrepreneurs – pleases the fact that Poland is getting into the world and conquers Asian markets, or at least that it is trying.
Cyril Kozaczewski: Definitely yes. This is one of the most important technological events in the world – due to the scale and reputation of Taiwanese producers and investors. All counting companies come here to exchange experiences, look for inspiration and make contacts with global leaders. At the same time, these largest companies are increasingly looking for innovative ideas among smaller, creative enterprises.
Ao: And in this context – Polish entrepreneurs enjoy more and more recognition?
CK: Yes, definitely. Polish companies are increasingly seen as a source of innovative solutions that are interested not only in partners from Taiwan, but from the US or other parts of the world. Sometimes these Polish technologies are part of larger projects – even if it is not said directly, this “element of Polishness” in global innovations is real. Often at such fairs as those here in Taiwan, the first conversations occur, which over time result in important contracts.
Ao: It takes time. After all these years spent in Taiwan – can you say that you can see the growing interest in Polish and Polish business?
CK: Definitely yes. Poland's recognition has increased. It seems to us that Poland is widely known thanks to history, culture or economy. But it doesn't quite look like this. Every delegation, every presence of Polish companies in Taiwan is an opportunity to bring our potential to the Taiwanese – show our possibilities, invite you to cooperation, encourage you to visit.
Ao: Behind us the event “Poland Business Forward”. Was the first conversations really occurred – or maybe even important contracts?
CK: I talked to representatives of several companies and indeed – some of them present unique, groundbreaking solutions. Sometimes contracts are signed here, but often the process lasts longer. In Asian culture, as in the business world, you need time: to get to know each other, clarify expectations and build trust. It happens that only at subsequent editions of the conversation fair end with signing serious contracts.
Ao: So these meetings have a real impact?
CK: Yes. And in this context, it would be an ideal solution to launch a direct air connection between Poland and Taiwan. Such direct connections greatly facilitate economic and cultural contacts. There are already the first swallows – e.g. an agreement on cultural cooperation that will come into force from June this year. I hope that direct flights will soon become a fact.
Ao: Good communication is the basis, but other issues are also important – even culture. Do you do something else to bring both countries closer?
CK: Yes, we are very intensively developing city cooperation. In a few days a partnership agreement between Łódź and Tainan will be signed – these are two strong economic and cultural centers. Such initiatives are in preparation. And yet cities are not only administration – are companies, cultural institutions, and tourist industry. Such cooperation opens a really wide range of possibilities on both sides.
Ao: Thank you very much for the interview!
CK: Thank you very much.
