The fifteenth edition of the European Economic Congress in Katowice is behind us. Every year, the series of debates and meetings accompanying the ECE is attended by representatives of business and politics, as well as scientists, practitioners and decision-makers from Poland, Europe and the world. Over the course of three days, thousands of talks, meetings, discussions are held on topics such as the path to stabilization after the receding pandemic, the war in Ukraine and its multiple consequences, and dynamic geopolitical changes. These are the sources of many new challenges that this year’s ECE guests are debating.
Among the speakers were experts from the Budimex Group, including Member of the Management Board, Operational Director of Infrastructure Construction – Cezary Łysenko, who took part in a panel on the economic situation in the construction sector. During the debate, numerous topics were raised, including m.in. financing investments in the conditions of high inflation and economic crisis, prices of materials and services, as well as valorisation of tenders in regulations and in practice.
– Due to the portfolio we have for 2023 and 2024, the situation looks good, but we are wondering what we will do in 2026-2027 and beyond. General contractors have to think in a five-year perspective, and even 10 years ahead. Looking at what is currently happening on the market, we feel that we are a beneficiary of the pandemic situation and the war in Ukraine in terms of costs,” said Cezary Łysenko during the debate.
The general contractor emphasizes that the situation related to road infrastructure contracts is stable today. As far as railway construction is concerned, Budimex is at the stage of waiting for new tasks. On the other hand, in residential construction, stagnation, a decrease in orders and a lower number of building permits are visible. The Member of the Management Board emphasised that Budimex is still looking for new opportunities in energy construction and is focused on green energy.
– As far as the portfolio in railway construction is concerned – it is true that today we are at a historic moment and there are many of these investments. We have been preparing for railway investments for the last almost 10 years. In order to be able to function effectively, we have made huge investments in rolling stock, machinery and equipment. I dare say that today we have the latest sets in Europe. This equipment must be busy,” continued Cezary Łysenko.
During the debate, the topic of acquiring new employees and challenges on the labor market was also raised.
“Poland is currently the second largest construction site in Europe, which means that we have quite strong human resources to work. We must ensure that new staff and the young generation appear on the market. Commercial construction in Poland faces a challenge – many people want to work remotely. Unfortunately, we will not be able to build the bridge remotely,” concluded Cezary Łysenko.
The following were invited to participate in the session:
- Wojciech Caruk, Chairman of the Board, PFR Nieruchomości SA
- Anna Glanowska-Szpor, Managing Director of the Construction Sector, ING Bank Śląski SA
- Grzegorz Kurdziel, Member of the Board, Director of Corporate Affairs operational support, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe SA
- Jerzy Polaczek, Member of the Polish Parliament, Minister of Transport and Construction in 2005-2006, Minister of Transport in 2006-2007
- Waldemar Wójcik, Member of the Board, STRABAG Sp. z o.o.
- Tomasz Żuchowski, acting General Director for National Roads and Motorways
The debate was moderated by Rafał Kerger, economic journalist, editor-in-chief, WNP.PL, PulsHR.pl, PortalSamorzadowy.pl.
