Eximbanka’s CEO Rastislav Podhoretz in a commentary for Hospodárske noviny on the potential of the Georgian market and Eximbanka’s role in supporting the penetration of this territory.
Georgia is a market that Slovak exporters are still discovering, although its potential is greater than it may seem at first glance. From our point of view, it is not a country that should be perceived only through political news or distance. More important is that there is a real demand for quality solutions, technologies and services from abroad in Georgia and that Slovak companies have something to offer.
The projects that we support in Georgia show that Slovak expertise can be asserted there. Several of them have been successfully completed, are functioning and delivering the expected results. This is an important signal for us that this is not just about theoretical potential, but about a market where, with well-conceived cooperation, it is possible to succeed.
The biggest barrier today, in my opinion, is not the lack of demand, but the low level of mutual information. Slovak exporters often do not have enough insight into who can be their partner, customer or investor in Georgia. Similarly, Georgian companies may not know what solutions Slovak companies can bring to them.
It is here that space opens up for even more systematic support from the economic diplomacy, agencies and institutions of both countries. We do not need to invent new instruments. Business forums, sectoral meetings, targeted matchmaking, quality market information and practical assistance in finding partners can help. What is important is that supply and demand meet more often, more concretely and with better preparation.
The political context in Georgia, of course, cannot be completely ignored. However, it is important for the business environment that there is still strong pro-European sentiment in the country and a desire for closer ties with the European Union. Georgia’s strategically important partner remains Turkey, but the space for Europe, including Slovakia, is still open. I also consider the strengthening of economic diplomacy on the ground since May to be a positive step. If Slovakia has an economic diplomat in Georgia who will systematically address business opportunities, this can help Slovak companies considerably. The potential is there. Eximbanka is ready to be there as a partner, helping to reduce risks, opening doors to financing and giving exporters greater certainty when entering lesser-known markets. If awareness and trust can be strengthened, Georgia can be a natural gateway to the Caucasus region for Slovak companies. This is an opportunity that should already be seized.
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