SOPK and Council of Slovak Exporters Held Talks with Kazakh Representatives

Bratislava, September 7 (TASR) - Trade between Kazakhstan and Slovakia is not very intensive, but both sides are very interested in developing cooperation, Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK) head Peter Mihok and Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko concurred at a meeting in Bratislava this week. The annual turnover between the countries is between €130-140 million. Ten representatives of Slovak companies and Slovakia's Export-Import Bank (Eximbanka) also discussed the possibilities of developing business cooperation with Vassilenko at a round table organised by the Council of Slovak Exporters (RSE). "We have huge interest, both on the Kazakh and the Slovak sides, in such areas as defence industry, education, energy, and it isn't only about oil and gas, but also nuclear fuel," Vassilenko said at the meeting with the SOPK head, adding that they aren't interested only in trade development, but also in investment cooperation. A business forum, which will take place on October 3-4 on the sidelines of the intergovernmental commission in Kazakhstan, could also be an opportunity for further development of cooperation. "We're preparing a good event to deepen our good relations and continue them," added Vassilenko, assuring that political support for such cooperation exists in both countries and hinting that perhaps this year or next mutual visits at the highest level could take place. am/mcs