On October 24, 2019, the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) organized the Slovak Matchmaking Fair Bratislava 2019 (SKB) - the largest and most prestigious international event of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency belonging to strategic activities of SARIO and the Ministry of Economy of the SR for support of pre-export activities, presentation of innovative companies and networking.187 companies from various sectors (138 Slovak and 49 foreign) from 15 countries of the world met at the 13th edition of the Slovak Matchmaking Fair in Bratislava. During 628 bilateral negotiations companies offered or acquired technologies, solutions, products, and services, or presented their innovative ideas and gained new business partners while presenting foreign companies the potential of Slovakia for business cooperation or for potential value-added investments.Slovak Matchmaking Fair is the most prestigious event of its kind in Slovakia “This year´s edition focuses on intelligent industry, innovation, automation, robotics, electromobility, and smart city. That is, the key areas that we support, “said Minister Peter Žiga. Slovakia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, with industry accounting for almost 25% of our gross domestic product. “Therefore, the future of our economy is linked to the use and promotion of progressive and modern technologies. These trends are not a threat, as some still perceive them today, but an opportunity, “stressed the Minister of Economy.“I am proud that in 13 years of its existence, the Slovak Matchmaking Fair has become a relevant platform connecting the academic community, science, research, development, and companies. I consider the synergy of this combination to be the key to sustainable growth and fulfilling the innovation potential that Slovakia undoubtedly has,” said Róbert Šimončič, CEO of SARIO.Since its inception, the SKB format has brought the opportunity to combine business and production potential to more than 2,500 companies from 38 countries around the world that have negotiated during over 5500 planned bilateral meetings.“I am very pleased that this year's Slovak Matchmaking Fair in Bratislava includes discussion panels that present the success stories of Slovak companies, which thanks to SARIO, have established cooperation with global companies and also reflect on current trends and requirements of companies such as intelligent industry or future mobility,” added Róbert Šimončič, CEO of SARIO.The longstanding partner of the event is Československá obchodná banka (ČSOB).“In a few days, we will commemorate a significant milestone in our history and with it 30 years of free enterprise. During this time we have witnessed how many Slovak companies have successfully established themselves at home and abroad and I am glad that we as a bank could support a number of successful projects with the subtitle Made in Slovakia. However, three decades may seem like a relatively short period, but from the perspective of the pace of technology development long enough to start seriously addressing the future face of the Slovak industry and not to miss the train, ”said Ľuboš Ondrejko, Chairman of the Board of ČSOB, General Partner of the Slovak Matchmaking Fair Bratislava 2019.Slovak Matchmaking Fair Bratislava 2019 also included this year the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic and InoBat. It is a service-oriented company with new energy solutions, namely batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage, and hydrogen technologies. “For us, the automotive industry is a key industry. Production of batteries for electric vehicles is strategically important not only for Slovakia but also for the European Union,” said Peter Žiga, Minister of the Economy of the SR.The event was also enriched by unique partner exhibits and individual consultations in the field of foreign trade support, state aid, export financing, participation in fairs and exhibitions or at the world exhibition Expo Dubai 2020.List of all partner projects presented at the SKB BA 2019https://www.sario.sk/sites/default/files/files/nenechajte%20si%20ujst%203_0.pdfHERE you can find more photos from the event!
