Although China and Poland represent different scales, cultures and socio-political backgrounds, the experiences of the Polish transformation can be of use to China – said dr Małgorzata Bonikowska, president of Centre for International Relations, during a meeting with representatives of Chinese universities and think tanks. The Chinese academics came to Poland to look at the changes that took place here over the last 25 years and to examine how to take advantage of the Polish lesson for the sake of their own country, as well as to find out how NGOs and civil society contributed to the decision making processes in this part of the world.

In 1989 the Poles were mentally ready for fundamental reforms, a conviction that the changes were necessary had been rising for a several decades before, social activity had been grooving and ways to find solution to more and more difficult situation were searched for. This is why the government of prime minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki was supported by nearly 90% of the population. Parties with “Solidarity” background could do literary everything and the Poles would accept it – concluded dr Bonikowska. Sławomir Lachowski, president of FM Bank and the originator of polish electronic banking, also took part in the meeting.