Representatives of European Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) met at the EU ECA Summit 2026 in Helsinki to discuss a common approach to promote the competitiveness of the European Union, European industry and exporters in a changing global environment. The main theme of the discussions was the more effective use of export finance and insurance instruments to support the EU’s strategic priorities in global markets.
Yesterday, the Export Club discussion forum focused on Southeast Asia was held in Bratislava, organized by Eximbanka in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. The aim of the event was to provide Slovak companies with up-to-date information on business opportunities in this promising region, as well as on state export support instruments and Eximbank’s role in their use.
Eximbanka CEO Rastislav Podhorec received a delegation of the Embassy of Georgia in Slovakia led by Ambassador Konstantin Kvachakidze, who was accompanied by economic diplomat George Zviadadze. The meeting was focused on the possibilities of further development of the Slovenian-Georgian economic cooperation and support for Slovak entrepreneurs in entering prospective projects in Georgia.
Indonesia is one of the largest and most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia and one of the least exploited export markets for Slovak companies. In 2024, bilateral trade between Slovakia and Indonesia amounted to only around 180 million euros. This is why the next Eximbank Export Club, which will take place on 28 May 2026 in Bratislava, will focus on this country and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Rastislav Podhorec, CEO of Eximbanka, and Matúš Šársky, Director of the International Relations Department, held talks with Peter Stan, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia, and Gabriela Šaturová, Head of Political Team. The topic of the meeting was Eximbanka’s activities and possibilities for further development of mutual cooperation.
The basis for successful export is to develop an export plan and decide where we want to export our products. In the next part of the series I want to be an exporter, which HN is preparing in cooperation with Eximbank, we will discuss why it is vital to choose a suitable market and how to proceed when selecting it. The traditional Export Club, which will be held in Bratislava at the end of May, may also be an inspiration.
Rising geopolitical tensions, pressures on the security of supply chains and new investments in energy are changing the way countries promote exports and international trade. Eximbank representatives are also discussing these issues at the Berne Union Spring Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, this week.
Slovak companies have the ambition to grow abroad, but when entering new markets they often face risks, lack of contacts or difficult financing conditions. That is why Eximbanka presented to the representatives of foreign embassies the tools that support Slovak exporters in the development of international trade.
Any entry into a new target market requires thorough preparation on the part of the exporter. Therefore, a fundamental building block for success is the development of an export business plan, which enables the identification of specific objectives and strategies. We will take a look at what should definitely not be forgotten when drawing up this plan in the next part of the series I want to be an exporter, prepared by HN in cooperation with Eximbank.