As more eastern European countries prepare to join the European Union next year, Poland has become the UK's leading export market in the region. According to the Office of National Statistics, some Ј1.6bn in British exports reached Poland in 2001, nearly Ј400m more than reached the Czech Republic and some Ј300m more than went to Russia.
George Szpala, country manager for Poland at the government-backed Trade Partners UK, says its planned full EU membership means there are already many opportunities for British companies: "For example, the World Bank estimated Poland needs to spend some $40bn (Ј26bn) on its water/waste water infrastructure alone to bring it up to international standards. British environmental expertise could make a significant contribution in this field."
