Puls Biznesu Part of New CEED Initiative

During the current financial crisis, Eastern European countries in many cases have managed their economies better than some of their counterparts in Western Europe. Which should change the way the financial industry looks at Europe. "It's not about East vs. West, or a post-communist countries versus Western European states axis," says Tomek Siemieniec, editor-in-chief for Poland's leading business daily Puls Biznesu. "The reality is that the divide is between countries able to manage complex economic issues in a global era and those that cannot."

This is what underlies the CEED initiative, a new think tank for innovative ideas and enterprising initiatives which will promote the achievements of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region - the D stands for Development. The common denominator of this shared venture will be the advancement of market liberalization, privatization, innovation and competitive advantage, says Siemieniec.

"The CEE attracts billions in foreign investment every year," says Jan Kluczyk, founder of CEED." It is a region of well-educated citizens, as well as increasingly competitive and innovative enterprises which are becoming leaders in their markets. A region with a huge growth potential. That is why the CEE region deserves to be evaluated, not only on the basis of aspirations, but on real, measurable and abundant successes. "

Bonnier Business Polska, as well as Puls Biznesu are partners of CEED. "Puls Biznesu will support CEED on both  local and regional levels. Puls Biznesu, as a top and opinion-leading business daily will become a main media partner for the project in Poland and in other countries where Bonnier operates," says Siemieniec.

CEED's mandate and mission is much bigger and broader than just producing reports and organizing seminars with interesting partners. CEED will aim to speak with one voice, to become champions and advocates not just for the communities that it represents but for the region as a whole, says Siemieniec.

The CEED Initiative is strongly supported by a range of companies and institutions including Deloitte, McKinsey & Co., the Lech Walesa Institute and the Center for International Relations, among others. "As an open initiative, we believe that the circle of key partners will be constantly growing," says Siemieniec. "Nevertheless this is an initial stage and we believe that there will be many more entities involved." 

But why are Bonnier Business Polska and Puls Biznesu involved? "Every day Bonnier publishes hundreds of news stories that come from the CEE region and it is strongly engaged in promotion and implementation of good practices in companies that operate in this region," says Siemieniec. "Since we have been here a long time, it was very easy for us to see the huge progress that all these countries have made."

After many years of really hard work, Siemieniec says that the CEE region is still underestimated by investors or analysts and Puls Biznesu wants to help to change the general perception of the region and demonstrate a real potential in this part of Europe. "With CEED, Puls Biznesu reinforces its competences in the region as well as its image as a medium engaged in resolving issues," he says. "Plus as an exclusive business media partner, Puls Biznesu will be the first newspaper to receive the research and reports from companies such as Deloitte and McKinsey & Co, what will give us an opportunity to create analytical and informational stories for our readers."