The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) organized in Bratislava on November 3, 2016 the Slovak Matchmaking Fair 2016 (SKB), the largest international business-to-business (B2B) event in Slovakia.The event was held under the auspices of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Ministry of Economy of the SR. The general partner of the event was the Československá obchodná banka (ČSOB)."I see this event as a form of support for Slovak companies in their efforts to penetrate foreign markets and become globally successful. This year's 10th anniversary of the Slovak Matchmaking Fair is all the more important that it is held at the time of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The automotive industry is a key sector of Slovakia´s industry, so it is no coincidence that it was the main focus of the event," said Peter Žiga, Minister of Economy of the SR."SARIO with its services for exporters and also by organizing of the largest international networking event helps Slovak companies to succeed in strong foreign competition. Their successful establishment on the global market and economic diplomacy are the key activities, "said Robert Šimončič, SARIO CEO.The tenth anniversary edition of the Slovak Matchmaking Fair focused on the automotive industry. The accompanying program was the conference Joining the Best in Automotive Address whose professional guarantor and chain was Martin Jesný, the analyst of the Slovak Automotive Institute.During the panel discussion the representatives of car manufacturers and companies in the field automotive with factories established in Slovakia presented their goals and level of support and outsourcing services, which will be required from their prospective suppliers. The basis is the production expansion of the supply chain in Slovakia by Slovak suppliers. The main idea, however, is the expansion of added value for the customer, especially through research and development as well as streamlining operations using the latest manufacturing technologies.Slovakia is in fact already a world player in the automotive field with three car plants producing more than a million cars annually and the foruth on on the way.The Slovak Matchmaking Fair this year not only provided companies with the opportunity to exchange practical experience with the heads of the said car manufacturers, but also the opportunity to establish business contacts and thus engage in the subcontracting chains of large companies as well as for smaller partnerships and contracts.The Slovak Matchmaking Fair 2016 was for the same reason also attended by the representatives of the fourth future global player in the automotive market in Slovakia and one of the successfully completed SARIO projects - Jaguar Land Rover Slovakia. As well as three well-established car makers Jaguar Land Rover Slovakia was exploring possible contracts with new subcontractors for its production plant – while its representatives negotiated with nearly 50 Slovak companies.In addition to conference and bilateral meetings the participants were able to negotiate with representatives of Japanese companies looking for suppliers during the Slovak side event Japanese Components and Material Buyers Exhibition, they could see the unique prototype of Slovak sports car Brutal Slovakia and also explore Slovakia in 3D images through special glasses from EXPO Milano, 2015.The Slovak Matchmaking Fair 2016 was attended by 263 companies from 26 countries including Slovakia, which held nearly 800 business meetings. The Slovak Matchmaking Fair since its inception, so far has brought the opportunity to combine business and production potential of more than 1,500 companies from 35 countries.The Slovak Matchmaking Fair 2016 was held under the auspices of Ministry of Economy of the SR and it was carried out also thanks to all the partners of the event.
