During a business mission to Istanbul in September, 15 Slovak companies met with approximately 100 Turkish firms. But these numbers represented more than just formal negotiations—during the individual meetings, participants discussed specific opportunities for cooperation in mechanical engineering, logistics, the chemical industry, medical technology, and IT.

The role of economic diplomacy in promoting Slovak exports, its response to changing conditions in international trade, as well as the connection between academic education and the needs of diplomatic practice, were the main topics of a panel discussion held on October 7, 2026, at the Faculty of International Relations of the University of Economics in Bratislava.

For nearly two decades, Aquatec VFL, based in Dubnica nad Váhom, has been supplying wastewater treatment plants to households, municipalities, hotels, and industrial facilities. Approximately three-quarters of its revenue comes from abroad, and it has already supplied its equipment to more than 50 countries.

A good project proposal does not automatically mean the project will be implemented. What matters is whether, even during the planning stage, consideration is given to how it will be funded, who will carry it out, and what conditions it must meet to be viable for the funding institutions.

Linking development cooperation, public resources, financial instruments, and the private sector is key to creating larger and more comprehensive projects with greater development impact. This year’s Ambrela Development Forum 2026 in Bratislava also addressed this topic.At the same time, the Eximbanka delegation held talks with European Commissioner Síkel and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic Denisa Saková on opportunities for cooperation and the involvement of Slovak stakeholders in international and European initiatives.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a natural part of the workplace. It assists with day-to-day work tasks, but at the same time raises questions related to data security, the reliability of outputs, and accountability for their use. Eximbanka has therefore adopted an internal policy that establishes rules for the safe and responsible use and management of artificial intelligence systems at the bank.

Azerbaijan is one of the markets where Slovak companies have established a solid track record. Their experience with infrastructure and water management projects has enabled them to expand into the energy and transportation sectors as well. Regional reconstruction and the development of renewable energy sources are creating new opportunities. Eximbanka can assist exporters not only with financing but also with risk mitigation.

That is one of the reasons why Eximbanka CEO Rastislav Podhorec met today with representatives of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, Matej Fekete and Marek Harbuľák. The discussion focused on opportunities for closer cooperation and on the common ground between promoting Slovakia abroad, supporting Slovak companies, and their international activities.

Eximbanka CEO Rastislav Podhorec also emphasized this point during the panel discussion “Beyond Borders—Realistically and Without Illusions” at the TREND.sk TOP Conference on Industry & Energy 2026.

Rastislav Podhorec, CEO of Eximbanka, attended the SLOVAK–ASEAN Networking Round Table event at Bratislava Castle today, September 24, 2026, attended the SLOVAK–ASEAN Networking Round Table event at Bratislava Castle, which focused on the development potential of the partnership between Slovakia and the ASEAN countries (Slovak Chamber of Commerce with ASEAN countries).