The development of Lodz has been based on textile industry. For over two hundred years it determined the prosperity of the city. Due to its textile industry Lodz has become a one million agglomeration and a modern prosperous city - an active economic, scientific, cultural and fashion centre. Though Lodz is widely known for its textile industry, today over 60% of production takes place in branches such as food industry, engineering industry, chemical and tool industry and printing industry. New branches which have developed recently include printing industry, electronics, food processing and medical technology. In the era of restructuring and industrial boom, with the perspective of united Europe the city has now been given a second chance for „economical boom”.

One of the advantages of Lodz is its location in the centre of the country. Though somehow "in the background" of the capital, this location is extremely convenient, and close to many important sites. At the same time it is a perfect place for investing: housing estates are cheep - half the prices in Warsaw, rent and other payments significantly lower, there is a large ready market, cheap though well-qualified man power, modernised airport Lublinek, Łódzka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna (Lodz Specialised Economical Area), and effective transportation system. Main streets are presently under intensive modernisation, they create an excellent infrastructure. The organisation of city traffic is also more effective than in many Polish cities, which have developed around a central market place. In Lodz, just like in American cities, the streets are straight and cross at right angles.

In the near future major motorways leading from Scandinavia to Italy, and from Paris to Moscow will cross just outside Lodz. Connection roads, which would join the city centre with these highways are already under construction. A journey to Warsaw, with its central institutions, takes a little over one hour by train, and less than two hours by car. When the new highways are finished, access to the capital will be better and quicker than from many suburban areas around Warsaw.

Excellent opportunities for potential investors make more and more foreign investors come to Lodz. In 1995 the invested capital reached 106.9 mln dollars, in 1997 it grew to 411.42 mln dollars (increase by almost 300%). Within the next two years foreign investment will exceed the amount of 1 billion dollars.

Lodz is a truly European city, eager for international Cupertino. There are three honorary consulates in Lodz: Austrian, Mexican and Lithuanian. In the future also France, Germany and Liechtenstein will be represented. Numerous contacts with cities all over the world can be seen in the increasing number of partnership agreements. We are also an active member of the organisation of European major cities - Eurocities.

The most characteristic for our city is Piotrkowska street, a seven kilometre promenade and commercial centre, the longest such street in Europe.

In 1996 Lodz issued communal securities for over 29 mld Polish zloty, and it was the first city in Poland described by Standard & Poor as BBB - with sound prognosis.

The city has also large park and forest areas, a botanical garden, a Zoo and a palm house, an Opera House and Musical Theatre, numerous museums, theatres, cinemas, pubs and sports grounds - there are many ways in which one can spend free time in Lodz.

There are 7 national, 11 private and 4 catholic colleges, and over 40 research institutes and university scientific centres. They employ over 15 thousand people. Lodz is a major scientific centre, with the 6th position in the country, which co-operates with around 500 academic institutions all over the world.

Lodz is also the seat of the National Chamber of Fashion and the Centre of Fashion and Promotion of National Textile Industry. At the Arts College there is also the Cloth and Fashion Department, which is exceptional for the Polish art universities, where fashion designers can get valuable qualifications. Many fashion promoting ventures are organised to accompany exhibitions and fairs which take place in Lodz. The leading position of our city in the fashion sector is confirmed by the fact that many famous Polish and foreign fashion firms have opened their branches in Lodz.

The conditions for investors in our city are excellent. With its numerous banks, business promotion institutions, scientific centres and qualified man power, and numerous new companies Lodz is ready to become an important European centre of industry and commerce, and enter the 21^st century with full power.

Feel free to read more informations about Lodz on The City Office of Lodz Server.