Rastislav Podhorec, CEO of Eximbanka, in an interview for Export.sk, talks about how the global market is changing, the challenges facing the Slovak and global economy, export promotion, and Eximbanka’s tasks and priorities in 2026.
The year 2025 has brought significant changes in global trade. How do you assess it from the Eximbank’s perspective and which challenges do you see as the most significant? Where do you see the biggest shift compared to previous years?
I see 2025 as a period of accelerated transformation in global trade. The fragmentation of the world economy, rising protectionism and the realignment of supply chains are fundamentally changing the rules of the game. The biggest challenges have been geopolitical risks, volatility in energy and commodity prices, and a tightening regulatory environment. Companies today face not only business risk, but also reputational, compliance and financial risk more broadly. The biggest shift I see from previous years is that risk has become the ‘new normal’. Exporters are looking to diversify markets, suppliers and financing. At Eximbank, we offer insurance and financing solutions to exporters that help them manage those increased risks and support their expansion into new markets.
With what expectations did you enter 2026? What strategic priorities has Eximbanka set for the next period?
We enter 2026 realistically but with ambition. I expect continued volatility in the global environment, but at the same time I see new opportunities, particularly in the reconstruction of Ukraine, nuclear energy and the defence industry.
Our priorities are:
- Strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises,
- expanding cooperation with European financial institutions,
- promoting exports to promising non-EU territories.
Our ambition is for Eximbanka to be an active partner of Slovak companies in their promotion in foreign markets.
Eximbank was the first Slovak financial institution to join the EU Delegated Cooperation Mechanism and to participate in a project for the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure worth more than EUR 100 million. Do you see Ukraine as a key territory and a potential flagship for Slovak exporters? Do you see a growing interest from clients in this territory?
We consider joining the EU Delegated Cooperation Mechanism and engaging in the renewal of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to be a strategic milestone. Ukraine is a natural partner for Slovakia in terms of geographical proximity, historical ties and sectoral compatibility. We generally perceive interest, but companies are also sensitive to the risks involved, which is why Eximbank’s role is important in creating the conditions for their responsible management. Ukraine can represent a significant opportunity, but should not be the only direction. Balanced territorial diversification is essential.
Many countries now systematically and targeted support their exporters. In your opinion, is the Slovak export support system sufficiently competitive in international and regional Central European comparison?
The Slovak export support system is stable and provides companies with reliable support. However, in a competitive Central European environment, it is crucial to continuously increase flexibility and expand support tools. Our advantage is flexibility and the ability to take an individual approach, in expanding support tools and working closely with all relevant partners to enable Slovak exporters to operate effectively in foreign markets.
Do you observe a change in the structure of Eximbank’s clients? How is the ratio between small, medium and large companies evolving and what does this trend say about Slovak exports?
The structure of companies involved in exports is evolving in line with Slovak market trends and global challenges. There is a diversity among small, medium and large companies, which reflects the growing ability of Slovak firms to assert themselves in foreign markets and adapt to changing conditions.
What do you think determines the long-term success of Slovak companies in global markets in an environment of growing competition and geopolitical risks?
Three factors are decisive – innovation and added value, territorial diversification and financial and risk discipline. Successful companies today are investing in development, building their own brands and actively working with export finance and insurance instruments.
Does Slovakia have exporters that can be described as “world players”? What is their competitive advantage and what can other companies take from their stories?
Yes, Slovakia has companies that are global leaders in their specialised segments – whether in the automotive, engineering, energy, IT or defence industries. Their competitive advantage lies in a combination of technical expertise, flexibility, adaptability and long-term investment in quality. Their stories show that even a company from a smaller country can be globally successful if it offers a unique solution and thinks strategically. This is perhaps the most important lesson for other exporters.
Author Filip Šandor
Source: export.sk