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IPO Summit, Warsaw 2013

More than 600 guests attended the first day of the international IPO Summit, Warsaw 2013 conference

The third annual IPO Summit, Warsaw conference opened today to an audience of over 600 guests who have come to Warsaw from all over the world.

This year’s Summit was opened by Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, who in his address emphasised the ever strengthening position of the Polish capital market not only in the CEE region. – “It is not an easy role to praise your own country’s excellent economic condition while a lot of other European countries are still grappling with a widespread crisis. However, I feel very proud and happy to have the honour of opening the third edition of the IPO Summit, Warsaw, the conference which has already made its name among global investors. Poland continues its development path and I can solemnly assure you that our economy is in a sound condition. Also, the importance of the WSE, which is the regional leader, is growing. It is good to know that our stock market offers a state-of-the-art trading infrastructure which makes it easier for all people willing to invest in our country to do that. Therefore I am confident to declare that Poland is now one of the best countries for investment worldwide” – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Next, on behalf of the conference organisers, Włodzimierz Karpiński, Minister of Treasury of the Republic of Poland, extended his words of welcome: - “We are very pleased to welcome you all to the IPO Summit, Warsaw 2013, one of the biggest conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, which every year enjoys great interest among leading international institutional investors as well as potential issuers. When developing the Polish capital market, it is of utmost importance for us that our investors’ investments are long-term and safe. I would like to thank all organisers and partners of our conference, who have contributed to building up its strong position”.

Then, this year’s keynote speaker Mark Mobius, Executive Chairman of Tempelton Emerging Markets Group, took the floor. In his speech, Mr. Mobius presented a brief analysis of the current investment environment on emerging markets, with a particular focus on emerging markets in Europe, including Poland. In this context, he especially stressed the long-term attractiveness of the Polish stock market: - “Due to the significant growth potential which we are expecting to see on emerging markets, we have decided to open our second office in Poland. Already, we have around 400 people working for us in Poznań, in addition to our Warsaw office.”

After the keynote speech delivered by Mark Mobius the first panel discussion “Poland, Europe and the new division of global economies” was inaugurated. The debate covered the influence of the current economic crisis on the position of Poland and the entire CEE region.
The panellists included Michala Marcussen, CFA, Global Head of Economics, of Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking; David Aserkoff, CEEMEA Equity Strategist of J.P. Morgan; Piotr Bielski, Senior Macroeconomist of Bank Zachodni WBK; Piotr Chwiejczak, Senior Macroeconomist of Barclays; and Ebrahim Rahbari, Global Economist, Citi Investment Research, of Citi Handlowy.
The discussion was moderated by Roman Młodkowski, Director and Chief Editor of TVN CNBC.

In the afternoon, the second panel “Developed vs. emerging markets – key drivers of future cash flows” brought some interesting observations as to the differences between how the categories of developed and emerging markets are perceived.
The panellists included Paweł Tamborski, Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Treasury of the Republic Poland; Adam Maciejewski, President & CEO of Warsaw Stock Exchange; Iwona Sroka, President & CEO of the Central Securities Depository of Poland (KDPW); Peter Oppenheimer, Chief Global Equity Strategist of Goldman Sachs; and Jose Martins Soares, Head of Emerging Markets Research, of Espirito Santo Investement Bank.
The moderator of the debate was Louisa Bojesen of CNBC Europe.

After the second panel discussion was finished the guests to the IPO Summit, Warsaw 2013 conference had the unique opportunity to listen to the closing address delivered by Lech Wałęsa, former President of the Republic of Poland, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Honorary Ambassador of the IPO Summit, Warsaw 2013. – “In Europe, we have accomplished a great leap forward. We have removed divisions into antagonistic blocks and borders. We have replaced them with an era of reconciliation and globalization. Now, we should build our future on the foundations of shared values, regardless of our religious or political convictions. Let us draw up a lay Decalogue, ten lay commandments which will teach younger generations worldwide how to live their lives in the spirit of a lay conscience. Through debating and discussing it, I am sure we are able to achieve a compromise on that. “ – said former President Lech Wałęsa.

In the evening, the IPO Summit, Warsaw 2013 Gala took place, at which the winners of the IPO Summit Warsaw Award 2013 were announced. Held in the Palace on the Isle at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw, the event was graced with the presence of Jerzy Buzek, former Prime Minister of Poland, and Janusz Lewandowski, Member of the European Commission.

The Award winners were selected in five categories. In the Best Domestic Emerging Long Fund 2013 category Amplico OFE was chosen winner whereas Franklin Templeton Investment got the distinction of the Best International Markets Long Fund 2013. Jabre Capital Partners was elected the Best International Emerging Markets Alternative Fund 2013 and Alior Bank won in the Best Regional IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange 2013 category. The special award – The Bridge Award 2013 – went to BlackRock.

More information: www.iposummitwarsaw.pl