SARIO: Investments to regions and support for Slovak companies

The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) had a successful 2012. Despite the global economic crisis, SARIO project managers are currently working on 76 investment projects with the potential to create 16 - 20 thousands new jobs.

In 2012, the SARIO was able to conclude 18 projects; 14 more projects have left SARIO with a positive assessment and must be still evaluated by the Ministry of Economy and the Government. The closed projects have a total volume of € 466 million and have the potential to create more than 3,200 new jobs. Other projects that have left SARIO, have the potential to create a further 5,000 jobs and invest up to 800 million euros. The potential of these 32 projects totals 1.2 billion Euros and has the ability to create more than 8, 000 jobs. Most of the projects completed to date will be going to disadvantaged regions. It will be mostly visible in Trnava, Košice, Žilina and Banská Bystrica.

"We are very pleased that we have managed to place projects in the regions with high unemployment rate. The inhabitants of these regions as a result of this new foreign investment will be given the opportunity to find a job to provide them with social security, "said Robert Šimončič, SARIO CEO.

As for the distribution of industries, the largest volume of investment projects traditionally goes to the automotive, metalworking and electrical industries.

The most important investment in terms of created jobs include Austrian company ZKW Slovakia s.r.o, which will create more than 500 new jobs and will build as the previous stage, which were run in manufacturing and construction technology centre to develop headlamps project a German company Continental Automotive Systems Slovakia Ltd., which in Zvolen also create 500 jobs, or investment company Magneti Marelli, which is in eastern Slovakia, creating more than 600 jobs.

SARIO also helps Slovak companies to succeed in foreign markets. Co-organized more than 40 trade missions and seminars and has helped more than 150 Slovak firms an cross borders. The achievements include the opening of the first foreign representation SARIO in Indonesia or sign memorandum on the construction of hydroelectric power Slovak company in Indonesia.

"SARIO has been missing for more effective work in remote territories, direct contact with those markets. Having a direct presence in Southeast Asia means for 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, '"said Robert  Šimončič, SARIO CEO.

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.

SARIO: Statistics