Location Bratislava On April 23, 2013 investment seminar "Invest in Slovakia" aimed to promote further development of economic and trade relations between the Slovakia and Belgium took place on the premises of the Embassy of the SR in Brussels, Belgium. The event was organized by the Slovak embassy in Brussels in collaboration with Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) and Belgian legal and consulting company E-S Partners. The seminar presented Slovakia as an attractive country for investment and trade cooperation and was attended by over 30 Belgian businessmen. The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Belgium J. Kuderjavý in his opening speech pointed out the existing potential for the development of mutual cooperation and the need for intensive development of bilateral activities. The key speaker Andrea Mikulova, SARIO Project Manager. In her presentation she informed about the Slovak economy with emphasis on the strategic location in the center of Europe, as well as investment and business opportunities that Slovakia offers to Belgian partners. Followed by a presentation of M. Gábriš from the CSOB bank, who from the analyst's perspective put the focus on macroeconomic indicators. The benefit of already established Belgian investors in Slovakia was promoted in the 'success story' – of the Belgian company Bekaert, and was delivered by J. Daniel. The Belgian company Bekaert is the world leader in drawn steel wire products, operating in Slovakia since 2000, and has plants in Sládkovičovo and Hlohovec. Positive atmosphere of the event supported the conclusion presentation of Belgian co-organizers of the seminar J. Mevesen from Belgian legal and consulting company E-S Partners, which operates in Slovakia since 2000 and is a subsidiary of the law firm KOCK and Partners in Brussels, represented by D. Diris. He pointed out the legal aspects of cross-border investments but also mentioned drawbacks, which all entrepreneurs mainly face in starting up businesses in Slovakia and also during their operation. Nevertheless Mr. Diris as well as Mr.Mavesen clearly declared Slovakia as a country with excellent business opportunities.
