Support for Slovak exports, new business opportunities, and strengthening the competitiveness of domestic companies were the main topics of the Export Forum 2026, which took place on October 13 in Jasná. Eximbanka also actively participated in the event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, presenting financing and insurance options for export projects, as well as tools for involving Slovak companies in international development cooperation.
The Export Forum is a regular economic diplomacy event that connects business leaders with representatives of government institutions and economic diplomats. Through expert discussions and one-on-one meetings, it creates a space for identifying new export opportunities and addressing current challenges in international trade.
One of the key topics was the use of development cooperation and European financial instruments to support international projects. Milan Horváth, Deputy CEO of Eximbanka, spoke during the panel discussion titled “Discover Opportunities to Participate in Development Cooperation Projects and Access EU Funding.” The discussion highlighted the importance of development investments, which contribute to economic growth and stability in partner countries while also creating new business and investment opportunities for the private sector.
Milan Horváth emphasized the importance of accessible financing for foreign customers of Slovak exporters. The ability to offer a business partner not only a high-quality product or technology but also a suitable financing solution can represent a significant competitive advantage in securing foreign contracts. Eximbanka is able to combine bank financing with insurance instruments, thereby helping to create the conditions for conducting business even in riskier markets.
V diskusii predstavil aj ďalšie možnosti podpory podnikateľských aktivít. Patrí medzi ne zvýhodnený investičný úver s využitím úverovej linky Európskej investičnej banky (EIB), ktorý slovenským podnikom umožňuje financovať oprávnené investičné zámery za výhodnejších podmienok. Samostatnou oblasťou sú nástroje zahraničnej rozvojovej spolupráce prepájajúce rozvojové potreby partnerských krajín s kapacitami slovenských dodávateľov. Perspektívu do budúcnosti predstavuje aj Ukraine Investment Framework, európsky finančný mechanizmus na podporu obnovy Ukrajiny, otvára ďalšie možnosti zapojenia slovenských spoločností do investičných a rozvojových projektov.
Eximbanka was also available to entrepreneurs at the Mini Expo and during individual G2B meetings. Its sales representatives provided consultations on financing options and export insurance, and discussed specific business plans and the risks of foreign markets. At the same time, these meetings provided an opportunity to establish new contacts and identify upcoming projects for which Eximbanka can provide its financial and insurance instruments.
Eximbanka’s participation in the Export Forum underscored the importance of linking economic diplomacy with specific export support tools. The combination of economic diplomats’ experience, knowledge of foreign markets, business contacts, and available financing helps Slovak companies turn new opportunities into real export projects.