Polish official touts close ties with Nevada

RENO — A top ranking official with the Polish government said Tuesday that the country’s ties with Nevada are the strongest of any U.S. state, and the two are likely to become even more closely intertwined with a new economic development mission next month.

Anna Maria Anders, senator and secretary of state for Poland, cited Gov. Brian Sandoval’s commitment to developing a relationship with the country over the past several years for the economic successes being enjoyed by both governments. Sandoval has visited Poland once and is set to return in mid-October.

Nevada has an honorary Polish consul, John Petkus, a Nevada ambassador to Poland, Beata Drzazga, and a Polish American Chamber of Commerce.

Anders said the upcoming Nevada trade mission is expected to result in a bilateral agreement related to unmanned aerial systems among other developments.

At a luncheon here, Sandoval and Kris Sanchez, director of international trade for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, were both given the Friend of Poland award for their work in furthering relations between the two governments.

Reasons for the close relationship include Nevada’s competitive legal and tax system and its proximity to the West Coast,” Anders said. Sandoval has also worked to increase funding for science, innovation and modern technology, she said.

“It is important to note that Nevada offers Polish companies a gateway to the American markets,” Anders said. “Poland in its turn opens doors to give Nevada access to the European Union markets.”

The KGHM Robinson mine near Ely is the largest investment by a Polish company in the United States, she said.

Another 15 Polish companies are registered in Nevada and the number is growing, Anders said.

“I am excited about the many possibilities that lie ahead as we lay a foundation to establish partnerships that will make Nevada and Poland economic allies in the years to come,” she said.

Sandoval said he saw a lot of opportunity for economic and educational cooperation in his visit to Poland in 2015.

“And now what was a dream has become a reality,” he said. “And we have a connection here with Poland unlike any other country in the world. And I see nothing but good things happening from this.”

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.