Special Economic Zones Euro-Park in Mielec (1995-2005)

Marian Kozaczka

The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6980-415X

Abstract

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) stand for the areas separated out of the rest of Poland and allocated for business activity on preferential terms and conditions. Such zones are subject to special administrative treatment. Pursuant to some acts and secondary legislature, numerous allowances and tax exemptions apply to investors who make investments there. The first Polish SEZ was established in Mielec in 1995. Next zones were established in Katowice, Suwałki, Legnica, Łódź, Wałbrzych, Słupsk, Tarnobrzeg, Kraków and in a few more towns with high unemployment rate and dominance of industry. By the end of 2000, 13 SEZs were established in Poland. Approximately 29,000 employees were employed there. Then, SEZs changed, new investors appeared. Regulations goveming the said zones were changed. In the end of 2005, there were 14 SEZs in Poland. 112,000 employees were hired there. Investment outlay in such zones exceeded PLN 25 billion. SEZs changed the economic image of many regions in Poland. Various domestic and foreign companies appeared there. Their infrastructure was developed. Demand for building, security and cleaning services grew. The role of SEZ in the economic growth of Poland is signiflcant and it will even grow in the nearest future.