Poland and Pakistan relations have seen remarkable progress, particularly in trade, with bilateral exchanges rising significantly from €456.74 million in 2018 to €861 million ($894 million) in 2023.
Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski shared these insights at a year-end press briefing on December 19, 2024, held at the Polish embassy in Islamabad.
Pakistan-Poland bilateral trade
“This growth in trade is a reflection of the strengthening economic ties between our two countries. We are committed to further strengthening our economic cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration,” the Polish ambassador stated.
The Ambassador noted that Poland’s bilateral trade with Pakistan has been steadily increasing, and that efforts will continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing the positive trajectory of Poland-Pakistan relations.
Recalling the successful economic mission led by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Islamabad under the GreenEvo initiative, the Ambassador shared that the “The mission brought together representatives from nine Polish businesses providing innovative green technology solutions, and featured business events in Karachi and Lahore.” He hoped that such initiatives would help further boost Poland-Pakistan bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Detailing the activities of a leading Polish investor in Pakistan, the Polish Oil and Gas Company (Orlen Group), which has been a success story of bilateral relations, the Ambassador informed that Orlen Group through its Pakistan Branch has been in operation in Pakistan since 1997 and since 2005 the company has been operating in the Kirthar concession. The Polish company has made three tight gas discoveries in Rehman, Rizq, and Rayyan fields, making it a pioneer in the exploration and production of unconventional gas deposits in Pakistan. The company has invested over US$450 million in Pakistan so far.
The Polish Orlen Group’s investments are expected to double in the next years as the company also obtained a concession to explore the production potential of another gas field in Baran. What is more important is that “Orlen reinvests its profits in Pakistan. Therefore, the success of its operations is predicated to a large degree on timely payments for the delivered gas.
Despite these success stories, the Ambassador added that the “level of our trade is not satisfactory and it does not yet reflect and strength of the Polish economy and the potential of the Pakistani markets.”
Poland’s economic potential
Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski also offered a brief highlight Poland’s remarkable economic growth since 1989. “Our GDP has increased by an impressive 826.96%, making us the most successful economy in Europe. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Polish people, as well as the effective economic policies implemented by our government.”
Poland is the fastest-growing large economy in the world among upper-middle-income and high-income countries, surpassing even the Asian tigers such as South Korea and Singapore. The GDP per capita based on purchasing power parity (PPP) has almost tripled, from $10,300 in 1990 to over $28,000 in 2018. This number reached nearly $44,000 in 2023, according to Statista.
“This significant increase in GDP per capita has resulted in a substantial improvement in the standard of living for Polish citizens. According to the OECD Economic Outlook, Poland’s GDP is expected to rise by 3.4% in 2025, solidifying our position as a robust and resilient economy.”
Polish Ambassador also highlighted Poland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025, which will further enhance Poland’s global influence. He added that the presidency will focus on building a secure and resilient Europe, with seven key security dimensions, including defense and security, protection of people and borders, and resistance to foreign interference and disinformation.
Pakistan-Poland ties
Poland and Pakistan have developed friendly and productive cooperation over the 62 years including a “broader framework to uphold the international order based on the UN Charter and other relevant international treaties,” the ambassador stated. He elaborated that the relations is based on “respect for sovereignty, legal equality of all states, territorial integrity and rejection of military means as a way of solving international problems are among the most fundamental values of that order.”
Congratulating Pakistan on the election to the UN Security Council for 2025-2026, the Ambassador said that his country looks forward to working with Pakistan on “preventing and solving conflicts and crises which undermine our security.” He expressed Poland’s belief that Pakistan’s active participation in this body “will contribute to building lasting peace and security in the world.”
The Pakistan-Poland relationship has withstood key international crises, such as the events in Kabul in August 2021 and the evacuation of Pakistani students from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, he said. Both nations demonstrated their ability to support each other during challenging times.
Ukraine, Middle East crisis and migration issues
In a year-end press briefing, Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski also highlighted several regional and international bilateral issues, diplomatic efforts, and commitment to global security. He reiterated Poland’s support for a lasting peace in Ukraine and security across Europe, Polish assistance to Palestine. Pisarski also addressed Poland’s role in managing the migration crisis at its border with Belarus.
Ukraine: Referring to Poland’s point of view on Ukraine situation, the Polish Ambassador stressed that “The goals of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and durable security for Europe are inseparable.” He stressed that “Ukraine must prevail. This is why after more than 1,000 days of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, we remain steadfast in our solidarity. We will continue to support Ukraine in its right of self-defense against Russian aggression.”
Polish Ambassador also condemned Russia’s decision to “escalate its war of aggression through brutal and deliberate attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical civilian infrastructure, by the deployment of DPRK troops and by using intermediate range ballistic missiles to attack Ukraine.” This involvement, he said, is seen as a destabilizing threat to global security, underscoring Poland’s resolve to stand with Ukraine in its fight for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Poland has been at the forefront of providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, allocating over 4.91% of its GDP to supply tanks, armored vehicles, and essential assistance, including food, medicine and shelter, to those affected by the conflict.
Middle East crisis and Polish aid: Ambassador Pisarski also detailed Poland’s active involvement in addressing the Middle East crisis, particularly in Palestine. “In 2024, contributed over $12.2 million,” he said, adding that this assistance focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees, women, and children, through UN agencies like UNRWA, WFP, and UNICEF.
“The bottom-line is that the Polish assistance to Palestine continued or even increased during the war in Ukraine. Poland continues to support the vision of two states Israel and Palestine living side–by-side in peace and security,” he underscored.
Migration crisis: Detailing the migration crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border, he said the crisis has escalated, with over 15,000 illegal border crossings in 2022 and rising numbers in 2023 and 2024. Belarus is accused of facilitating migrant smuggling in response to EU sanctions, using migrants as political leverage. The ambassador said that Poland is working with EU partners to secure its borders and address the destabilizing effects of this hybrid warfare.
Poland’s response to the crisis highlights its commitment to border security while addressing the broader geopolitical and humanitarian implications. The situation reflects the complex challenges Poland faces in maintaining both national security and adherence to international law.