More investment projects, more jobs

The Slovak Investment and Trade Development (SARIO) in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of the SR had a successful 2014. Compared with the previous year, the agency has attracted about a third more companies that have confirmed their investment in Slovakia.

With it also significantly increased the number of new jobs that these companies should create. In comparison with the last year, also the number of new investment signals grew by one-quarter to 123. The Slovak Investment and Trade Development (SARIO) is currently working on 83 investment projects.

In 2014 agency assisted with 25 successful investment projects, the implementation of which will lead to the creation of more than 4,600 new direct jobs, and we expect that these investments will create thousands of indirect jobs. Projected total amount of investment is 170 million euros 13 of these are new operation projects, in 12 cases it is the expansion of existing operations.

"At my entry to the office I have presented that more investment projects for Slovakia and job creation are among my main priorities. I am pleased that we are progressively fulfilling this commitment. However, we want not only to attract new investors to come to Slovakia, but also create conditions for the established companies in order for them to gradually expand their operations and production in Slovakia, "said Pavol Pavlis, Minister of Economy of the SR.

"Our 2014 figures show that Slovakia is still attractive for investors. In addition to the positive external conditions, the main reason is that SARIO is able to sell our country very well. Nevertheless we must not forget about the good care of our existing investors who consequently attract other suppliers, "said Robert Šimončič, SARIO CEO.

A significant part of the investment is located in the regions with higher unemployment rate. Investments will be made mainly in Košice, Zilina, Trencin and Prešov regions. New jobs will be created in the following sectors: production of plastics and rubber, shared service centers, electronic and electrical equipment and engineering. In 7 cases, the companies received the investment aid; the remaining projects should be implemented without the investment aid.

The largest industrial investment projects considering the number of jobs created include Hyundai Dymos, Hyunnam Automotive, Bukóza, Korean Fuel Tech Slovakia or Forschner.

SARIO also helps Slovak companies to succeed on foreign markets. Last year, the agency co-organized more than 50 trade missions. At the same time last year, we registered 265 inquiries, out of which 134 requests came from Slovak companies.

Annually the largest event SARIO organizes - Export Forum - is dedicated to supporting the Slovak firms in foreign trade. This event, the largest of its kind in Slovakia, is an opportunity for SMEs to find export and trade opportunities abroad. The number of participating countries has increased from 13 in 2013 to 20 in 2014.
"Nearly 600 bilateral negotiations for Slovak and foreign companies created the conditions for specific activities, which should, as in previous years, lead to concluded contracts," said Robert Šimončič, SARIO CEO.

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2014 (Q1-Q4)
Completed projects: 25
The amount of investment: 170 million. EUR
Number of jobs: 4 675

2013 (Q1-Q4)
Completed projects: 18
The amount of investment: 422 million. EUR
Number of jobs: 3 678

2012 (Q1-Q4)
Completed projects: 18
The amount of investment: 466 million. EUR
Number of jobs: 3 228