Marek Buczak: Fund Manager of the Foreign Expansion Fund 2 at PFR TFI
The end of the year is a natural time for reflection on the directions in which the global economy will develop in the coming months. It is also a time for intensive analysis of forecasts concerning key areas of development, among which foreign direct investment (FDI) holds a special place – an important measure of investor confidence and a foundation for long-term growth.
The latest FDI Intelligence forecasts bring interesting conclusions for Poland. According to them, our country has a real chance to significantly increase its share in global FDI flows, strengthening its position as an increasingly important source of investment capital. This is a clear signal of the growing maturity and competitiveness of Polish enterprises on the international arena.
New landscape of global investments
Currently, we are observing a deep, structural change in the way countries’ investment attractiveness is perceived. In the coming year, the choice of location will be determined not only by tax breaks and financial incentives, but primarily by economic resilience, strategic openness, and the ability to innovate. Countries that adapt to this new reality have a chance to be among the global leaders attracting and generating investments.
In “The 2026 FDI Outlook” study, Poland was listed among 35 countries that may increase their share as a source of foreign direct investment. In the study, about a hundred high-ranking leaders in the foreign direct investment market answered nine questions related to the FDI market. In response to the question of which economies will increase their share as sources of global FDI in 2026, Poland was mentioned 14 times (a similar number of mentions was obtained by, among others, France (14), Spain (14), Italy (14), as well as Vietnam (13) and Qatar (13)). The most frequently indicated by respondents were China (74), India (31), United Arab Emirates (40), Saudi Arabia (29), USA (29). A stable macroeconomic environment, favorable geographical location, and the growing potential of technological and industrial sectors mean that Poland is increasingly marking its presence in global capital flows.
Forecasts for 2026 indicate that the increase in investment activity of Polish companies abroad can bring benefits not only to the domestic economy itself, but also to foreign partners seeking predictable and promising markets.
Polish companies are increasingly boldly investing abroad
The growing interest in international expansion is also confirmed by the conclusions from the report “Global horizons of Polish investments,” prepared by PFR TFI together with PwC Poland in cooperation with KUKE. The publication indicates both the scale of Polish enterprises’ investment appetite and the key directions for further expansion.
A study conducted on a group of 240 Polish companies shows that almost every second enterprise plans to develop its operations outside the country in the coming years. Foreign investments are perceived as an effective way to achieve geographical diversification, reduce operational risks, and scale the business.
Significantly, these declarations are confirmed by analyses from international institutions. fDi Intelligence forecasts for 2026 indicate Poland as one of the countries that may gain importance as a source of investment capital. The convergence of assessments by entrepreneurs and independent analysts confirms that Polish companies are increasingly boldly entering foreign markets.
Main directions of expansion
Although European Union countries remain the main target of Polish investments due to regulatory stability, the appetite for non-European markets is growing. The United States, offering access to a huge consumer market and advanced innovation ecosystems, attracts particular attention. In addition, Polish companies are increasingly looking towards dynamically developing markets in Asia and the Middle East, including India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, to build a competitive advantage and strengthen their global presence.
Who will gain in times of uncertainty?
In the reality of increasing global volatility and uncertainty, companies capable of rapid response, flexible approach, and bold investment decisions will gain an advantage. Companies that focus on diversification, data utilization, technological development, and adaptation to local conditions can not only successfully navigate through periods of turbulence but also use it as an impetus for further growth.
Poland today faces a real chance to become one of the significant sources of global investments in 2026. The Foreign Expansion Fund plays an increasingly important role in this process, implementing a record number of investment projects outside the country, with the prospect of their finalization in the coming quarters. However, ultimate success will depend on the vision, determination, and courage of the entrepreneurs themselves.
