Doing Business with Slovakia
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Slovak Republic will provide your
company with on-the-ground intelligence and practical advice on this market to help
you make better, more timely and cost-effective decisions.
We can help you successfully navigate the complexities of the market, whether you're
looking to export, establish your company abroad, tackle a market access issue, pursue
a joint-venture or strategic alliance, participate in global value chain, seek technology
and R&D partnerships.
Three priority sectors receive special attention: Information and communication
technology (ICT), environmental technologies, and transport/automotive; in these
areas substantial opportunities for Canadian business have been identified.
In the ICT sector, the influx of modern industrial production in Slovakia has prompted
a greater need for the latest technology. Manufacturers must also comply with EU
requirements for document and content management, creating opportunities for Canadian
producers of enterprise software. Many Canadian companies are already present in
Slovakia such as OpenText, Psion, and Smart Technologies.
Regarding environmental technology, Canada is a world leader in renewable energy,
waste-to-energy, and biofuels. To meet EU commitments, Slovakia will increase the
proportion of renewable fuels to a minimum of 9% by 2015 and restrict the use of
landfill sites as a treatment for waste. As well, over $1bn worth of EU Structural
Funds is earmarked for investments in Slovakia to improve waste management, and decrease
greenhouse gas emissions. Canadian suppliers of biomass fuels (including pellets
and woodchips), biomass conversion technology (heat and electricity) are actively
exploring the Slovak market. Supported by the Office of the Embassy links have been
established between Canadian suppliers and Slovak buyers and between science and
technology experts.
With respect to the transport and automotive sector, Slovakia is implementing ambitious
infrastructure improvement projects with the promise of significant EU structural
funds. The Office of the Embassy stands ready to provide trade leads and follow
the release of sector-specific tenders in any sector. As Slovakia has become the
largest automobile manufacturer in the world per capita, several Canadian auto-industry
plants established their presence, including Magna, Martinrea Fluid Systems, Alcan
Extrusion, and Valiant Corporation. Canadian firms also have a competitive edge in
an area known as “Connected Vehicles” – the process of improving information technology
in cars and internet/wireless connectivity. The Office of the Embassy in Bratislava
is actively developing science and technology linkages with the highly developed
auto industry in both Canada and Slovakia.
The Office of the Embassy also provides after-care to established operations of Canadian
investors including networking opportunities with officials in the Slovak Government,
business-to-business matchmaking occasions, information on incentives, legislative
amendments and government regulations, and links to active Chambers of Commerce in
Slovakia including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Yet another sign of the thriving trade and investment relationship between Canada
and Slovakia is the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and
Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry to coordinate a trade mission to Canada in
2013.
I want to...
Access commercial information about Slovakia
Visit the web site of the Trade Commissioner Service in Slovak Republic.
Get the assistance of a Trade Commissioner in this market
See how we can help and contact the Trade Commissioner in charge of your sector.
Find more about programs and services to help me succeed internationally
Visit the Trade Commissioner Service web site for information on exporting, funding
programs, innovation, science and technology, global value chains, and much more.
Apply for permits to export from or import into Canada
Visit our Export and Import Controls web site.
Learn more about Canada’s trade policy
Visit our Trade Negotiations and Agreement web site for information on agreements
and negotiations by country or region, dispute settlements and environmental assessments.
The web site also contains information on Corporate Social Responsibility and the
OECD guidelines on responsible business practice.
Get more information
March 2013
