Hungarian–Slovak Business Forum

The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), in cooperation with the Embassy of Hungary in Bratislava and the Central European Economic Development Network (CED), organized another edition of the Hungarian-Slovak Business Forum on 11 June 2026.

The event was held as part of the 12th edition of the Hungarian Culture Week in Bratislava, 'More Than a Neighbour', and provided a platform for discussing current challenges and opportunities for cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary.

Participants were welcomed by the Ambassador of Hungary to the Slovak Republic, Csaba Balogh. The opening remarks were followed by speeches from SARIO Director General Egon Zorád and President of the Automotive Industry Association of the Slovak Republic Alexander Matušek, who highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation, the development of supply chains, and the growing role of the region in the European automotive industry.

The first panel discussion, entitled 'The Big Players', offered insights from representatives of leading companies operating in the automotive sector. Alexander Eras, Vice President of BMW Group, Michal Ambrovič of Volkswagen Slovakia, Michal Lábaj of Kia Slovakia, and Peter Penzeš of GIB EnergyX Slovakia discussed current industry developments, investment plans, and the future of mobility.

The programme also included a presentation of CED’s activities by Export Director Adrienn Apró.

The second panel discussion focused on services supporting the automotive sector. Anton Molnár of Slovnaft, Stanislav Pagáč of Logis One – Logistic Parks, Kristína Riszdorfer of Prohuman Slovakia, and Lukáš Végh of B+N Slovakia discussed logistics solutions, human resources, energy transformation, and support services.

The professional programme was followed by pre-arranged B2B meetings. Among the 130 participants, 160 individual meetings took place, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to strengthen business relations, establish new contacts, and create opportunities for joint projects and investments.

The forum once again confirmed the strong interest of Slovak and Hungarian companies in developing mutual economic cooperation and creating new partnerships in the automotive industry, logistics, energy sector, and supply chains. The event also provided participants with valuable networking opportunities and the chance to establish new business contacts that may contribute to the further development of economic relations between the two countries.

The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency perceives the current level of cooperation with Hungarian partners positively and looks forward to implementing further joint initiatives aimed at supporting investments, trade and cross-border cooperation.