Opportunities to support Slovak exports, cooperation on international projects, and the integration of Slovak companies into global supply chains were the main topics of discussion during Eximbanka representatives’ meetings in Australia.
A key item on the agenda for the Eximbanka representatives was a meeting with the Australian export credit agency, Export Finance Australia (EFA). Representatives from both institutions discussed opportunities for cooperation in financing and insuring trade activities, supporting joint projects, and integrating Slovak companies into the supply chains of Australian firms. Projects carried out in third markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, also offer promising prospects.
“Australia is not just a distant export market for Slovak companies. Collaboration with Australian partners can also open the door to international projects in other regions. Slovak companies have the technology and expertise to succeed in a global competitive environment. Our role is to help them take advantage of these opportunities through appropriate financial and insurance instruments,” said Rastislav Podhorec, CEO of Eximbanka.
Export Finance Australia has extensive experience in financing international projects and holds a significant position in the Indo-Pacific region. It also manages an Australian financial instrument worth AUD 2 billion designed to support investments in Southeast Asia. Potential cooperation between the two export agencies thus creates opportunities to identify projects in which Slovak companies could participate as suppliers of technology, products, or services.
The work program also included a presentation by Rastislav Podhorec at the Slovakia–Australia Business Connect forum, which took place on October 13 in Sydney. The forum provided an opportunity to establish business contacts and showcase opportunities for cooperation between companies from both countries. Promising areas include energy—including the civil nuclear sector—cybersecurity, and other technologically advanced industries where Slovak companies can offer competitive solutions.
Eximbanka officials also held separate meetings with representatives of Australian professional and industry organizations and the academic community, focused on identifying further opportunities for cooperation and developing mutual contacts. The business trip took place as part of Minister Juraj Blanár’s diplomatic and economic mission to Thailand and Australia, which aimed to strengthen economic relations and support Slovak companies in establishing themselves in promising foreign markets.