Location Bratislava Tomáš Malatinský, the Minister of Economy of the SR opened the first foreign representative office of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development (SARIO) on December 10, 2012 in Jakarta. The official opening ceremony was part of a working visit to the Republic of Indonesia, and as well it is one of the first steps in implementing a new strategy of foreign trade to support export of Slovak companies. "Direct contact with the market and local entrepreneurs was the link that SARIO was missing in a long term in order to work more effectively in far away territories. Having a direct presence in Southeast Asia means to us that we know much better to monitor and respond to investment and business opportunities in this part of the world, so we are a step ahead of the competition, " Robert Šimončič, SARIO CEO said. SARIO´s first foreign office will be headed by Vladimir Pristaš, former long time economic diplomat in Indonesia. His job description will mainly cover support of the activities of Slovak companies trying to penetrate to the Indonesian market and to enhance cooperation of Slovak and Indonesian business subjects. A recent study of consultancy firm PwC shows that economic growth of Indonesia in recent years is truly worth of admiration. According to the survey, the interest rates and inflation in Indonesia are under control, GDP is growing at about 6.5% per year and foreign direct investment increased in the first half of 2012 year-on-year by 39%. This data ranks Indonesia and Jakakarta, its capital among top business locations of 2013. "I would like to emphasize the potential for cooperation in the construction of power plants, mining and nuclear energy. However, it is also necessary to support negotiations of Slovak and Indonesian business partners in other major energy activities such as coal mining for example, "said Tomáš Malatinský, Minister of Economy of the SR. First signed agreements confirm that energy cooperation has the potential. An example is a trade agreement for the construction of 2x60 MW hydropower plant on the island of Batam to be signed by Slovak company ISTROENERGO Levice and Indonesian partners during this business trip. SARIO´s aim is to be a modern agency, which will be perceived by foreign investors and domestic partners as a vehicle for growth and innovation. SARIO wants to assist to the development of the Slovak economy in the maximum extent possible by attracting new investment and offering trade support, which shall bring its results in creation of new jobs and ultimately increase the living standards in Slovakia.
