Slovakia is not a huge market but offers very good opportunities, mainly as a springboard to either the west or the east. Its capital, Bratislava, is less than an hour’s drive from Vienna and two hours from Budapest.

What are the opportunities?
The Slovak government has made considerable progress in macroeconomic stabilisation and structural reform and the economy continues to grow. Heavy industry and agriculture have declined in importance since the end of communism but the services sector has increased significantly. A rise in real wages has contributed to a revival of domestic demand and consumption is increasing.

Slovakia is the 36th economy in the world for ease of doing business and the Government is continuing to implement a pro-business agenda.

There are particular opportunities in the following sectors:

•Automotive Industry - Stampings and Pressings, Fasteners/Fixings, Plastic Mouldings, Design Engineering Services, Testing Services
•Education & Skills – vocational education, rural development training, lifelong learning, ICT in Education, English language
•Clothing and fashion - British fashion is generally well regarded and opportunities exist for well-known fashion brands that offer good quality clothes at reasonable prices
•Water – key projects planned in drinking water supply, sewerage and wastewaster treatment
•Environment - waste management, air pollution, soil decontamination projects and there is also demand for environmental services (audits, etc.).
•Food and drink - confectionery, sauces, cereals, spirits, tea and ethnic foods.