On July 28, 2016 the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) mediated an informational working meeting of 9 Slovak companies, mainly from the water management and packaging production sectors, with the representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). They discussed different possibilities of support of projects in Cuba and Central Asia through various programs of this international organization.UNIDO representatives introduced the organization, its current and planned projects in selected countries and sectors.The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Ms. Loipa Sánchez Lorenzo stressed a strong interest of Cuba in the field of packaging production and water management solutions. The number of tourists to the island is growing every year, 3.5 million visitors travelled to the country in 2015, in the first half of 2016 Cuba exceeded 4 million tourist arrivals and hopes to attack a record number of visitors in 2017 - 10 million tourists. The current situation also places a high demand on food processing, packaging and distribution, and on supplies of potable and service water. Cubans see a solution to this situation whether through know-how acquisition or through investment inflows from abroad which are already being supported by a new pro-investment legislation.Based on the excellent bilateral relations, Cuba therefore invites Slovak companies to present solutions in these areas.The Permanent Representative of the Slovak republic to the International Organizations in Vienna, ambassador Ms. Olga Algayerová, outlined the practical possibilities for cooperation between the Slovak companies and UNIDO, she also stressed that members of the Slovak mission, led by her, are willing to provide help and support to Slovak companies.The discussion developed about existing opportunities for Slovak companies, which learned how they can benefit from UNIDO’s support. The major opportunity is in particular the possibility of getting engaged in public procurements of UNIDO. Another alternative is the engagement in ongoing or planned projects not only in the region of Central Asia and Cuba, or the realization of their own projects under endorsement and in cooperation with UNIDO. In addition, UNIDO provides not only the mark of the international organization, but also technical, organizational support, trainings for experts, different analysis and consultancy in various areas.During the meeting, several companies expressed their interest in getting involved in procurement process of UNIDO, as well as in the implementation of projects, especially in Cuba. Considering the existing need for the development of packaging production and water management in Cuba, it has been designed to carry out a business mission to Cuba with this focus. Date of the mission has been tentatively set up for September 2016, and its organization should be jointly arranged by SARIO and UNIDO.SARIO has also introduced to the participating companies the opportunity of participating in FIHAV fair, which is to be held in November 2016 in Havana. SARIO will introduce a joint stand of Slovak companies.
