The First Slovak–Latin American and the Caribbean Business Forum

On September 12, 2023, The First Slovak–Latin American and the Caribbean Business Forum took place on the premises of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MZVEZ).

The event was opened by Ingrid Brocková, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Egon Zorád, the Director of the Department of Foreign Trade of SARIO. The opening was followed by a panel discussion, focused on various topics related to the possibilities of cooperation and mutual trade, for example, how the cultural differences of countries affect business, what are the currently developing sectors of the given countries, opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, etc.

The guests of the event were representatives of the Embassy of Brazil in the Slovak Republic, the Embassy of Argentina in Vienna, the Embassy of Chile in Vienna, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in the Slovak Republic, the Embassy of Mexico in Vienna and the Embassy of Colombia in Vienna. 

During the panel discussion, the panelists talked about dynamic and growth sectors in Latin America, such as green technologies, digital infrastructure, and smart cities. They also discussed the topic of investment aid schemes from the sides of individual Latin American nation-states.

The key part of the business forum was the negotiations between Slovak companies and foreign representatives of the above-mentioned countries, which followed the panel discussion. The business forum was attended by 47 Slovak business entities and representatives from the embassies of six Latin American countries, which had a total of 77 G2B meetings between Slovak companies and their counterparts.

The representatives of Slovak companies also used the opportunity to negotiate with representatives of the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (SAMRS), EXIMBANKA SR, and consultants of the Department of Foreign Trade of SARIO.