A new ranking of the Global Free Zones of the Year was published by fDi Magazine. In 2016, the Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) was named the best zone in Europe. It was also highly commended for its efforts to support small and medium size enterprises as well as for start-ups.
fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2016 acknowledge the most promising free zones across the globe. The magazine invited free zones, government entities and investment promotion bodies to complete a short survey detailing their zone’s attractiveness, facilities and incentives offered to investors. In total, 60 entries were received from free zones across the world. Judges named winning zones in each region. In addition, some locations which were particularly outstanding have been acknowledged with honourable mentions and bespoke awards.
Katowice Special Economic Zone has picked up the top award for the Europe regional category, as well as winning best zone in the central and eastern Europe category. „The zone realises, and acts upon, the importance of integrating local education and investment, ensuring that foreign investors have a wealth of talent at their disposal to make their operation a success” – the jury wrote in the publication.
The magazine mentions the K2 project of KSEZ, which involves co-operation with a number of key players, including schools, local authorities and investing companies. They also point out that skillsets required by investors are identified, and the zone works with local education institutions and local government. The KSEZ does not forget about expansion and will destine 9 million square metres of land for redevelopment.
Additionally, the zone was acknowledged within six bespoke awards:
– Supporting education and training
Companies investing in KSEZ cooperate with local technical and vocational schools. Also, the zone’s Competence Center is equipped with replica production lines to train staff effectively.
– Start-up support
Office space infrastructure is being developed specifically for start-up companies in Żory.
– Infrastructure upgrades
A new office building has been constructed in Tychy and a 9 million-square-metre expansion is planned for the zone as part of the K2 project.
– New investments
Mubea Automotive will spend EUR 50 million for the investment in a new manufacturing facility, creating 350 jobs.
– Expansions
NGK Ceramica’s initial investment has multiplied tenfold and now employs 2 500 people.