The year 2022 was extremely successful in terms of the number and quality of closed investment projects, as well as the positive feedback from Slovak companies supported in exporting and establishing new supplier-customer relationships.The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) concluded 31 investment projects in the amount of EUR 1.87 billion and with the potential to create up to 7,540 new direct jobs, implemented more than 90 events to support foreign trade and the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for hundreds of Slovak companies."Behind the results is proactive systematic work, practice-verified quality of the services provided by the agency, and coordinated interdepartmental cooperation," said Robert Šimončič, SARIO CEO.In the year-on-year comparison with 2021, the number of closed investment projects is comparable, but the volume of investments is almost 4 times larger and the number of new jobs is more than 2 times higher.Investors mainly come from Europe. The majority of projects are from the automotive industry (including electromobility) and mechanical engineering. A significant part of new investments goes to regions with higher unemployment.The exceptionality of last year's results is also underlined by the high share of investment projects with higher added value in the total volume of investments - 70% or in the number of jobs - 76%."The data on the closed but also on the 70 ongoing investment projects of the SARIO agency prove that investors from all over the world continue to intensively consider Slovakia as a potentially suitable location for the location of their operations, not only in the field of industrial production but also R&D workplaces or centers shared services. In addition, when it comes to production, many projects bring significant added value and room for diversification of the economy," added Robert Šimončič.The agency responded promptly and effectively to increased activity in the area of supporting the presentation of Slovak business potential abroad.The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency organized 35 business missions in 2022, realized 4 own cooperation events, ensured the participation of Slovak companies at 17 international fairs, prepared 35 educational activities, and processed 140 business inquiries.In addition to comprehensive support for the export of Slovak entities to global markets, the agency also focused on activities for initiating the transfer of the most modern innovative technologies into production practice, education, and creating new opportunities as well as functional cooperation platforms."As part of supporting foreign trade and the internationalization of Slovak companies, we work with several tools, within which Slovak companies can present their potential and establish themselves on global markets, join the supply chains of established investors, learn about current export opportunities in selected territories, establish new business contact. I am glad that many of them generated concrete results and cooperation this year as well," concluded Robert Šimončič.The goals and priorities of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency for 2023 remain the same - support for the inflow of foreign investments with export potential and added value to Slovakia, as well as support for the export of Slovak products, services, and technologies to fast-growing markets and the implementation of Slovakia's brand message.
