Business Delegation Accompanying PM in China Largest Ever

Bratislava, November 4 (TASR) - The business delegation that forms part of the ongoing visit by Prime Minister Robert Fico and several ministers to China is the largest ever organised by the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO). The delegation includes as many as 77 representatives of Slovak businesses. The aim of the Economy Ministry is to bolster investment and trade relations between Slovakia and China and to expand economic partnerships, the ministry itself explained. "This official visit to China provides a unique opportunity to strengthen economic ties between Slovakia and China. I believe that our delegation will open the door to new investment projects and opportunities that will benefit the Slovak economy and support the diversification of our exports," said Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD). Four business forums are to be held within the agenda of the visit, with Slovak entrepreneurs gaining the opportunity to present their products, technologies and investment projects to potential Chinese investors and also to establish new contacts. The forums include expert presentations on Slovakia's investment and business environment by SARIO, as well as presentations on the possibilities of financing export activities via Eximbank. One of the key events of the visit should be the opening of the Slovak national stand at the China International Import Expo 2024 in Shanghai. Slovak companies should have the opportunity to present their production potential, technologies and investment opportunities on this platform, while high attendance among Chinese business representatives and investors is expected. "Slovakia's exports to China are currently mainly focused on the automotive and electronics industries, but Slovakia is interested in diversifying and expanding its export portfolio to include other commodities, including food and agriculture. SARIO has identified other promising areas for Slovak companies on the Chinese market, especially in the areas of mineral water, alcoholic beverages, IT and artificial intelligence, as well as specific solutions in chip design and medical technologies," added the ministry. zel/df