Home News Export Forum 2026 Opened Up New Opportunities for Cooperation
The sixth edition of Export Forum, held on 13 October 2026 in Jasná, attracted a record attendance of more than 600 participants, including representatives of over 300 companies. Slovakia’s largest economic diplomacy event provided a platform for establishing business contacts, discussing new opportunities in foreign markets, and presenting ways for Slovak businesses to engage in international development cooperation.
Organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, the event focused on the theme “Competitiveness of the Slovak Economy in Times of Geopolitical and Economic Change.” Over the course of a single day, Slovak companies held more than 900 individual meetings with economic diplomats serving abroad.
The programme also featured expert presentations and panel discussions addressing current challenges in international trade, technological transformation, and new opportunities for financing and international cooperation.
One of the expert discussions, entitled “Discover Opportunities to Participate in Development Cooperation Projects and Access EU Funding,” explored the opportunities offered to Slovak businesses through national and European instruments supporting development projects.
The discussion also featured Michal Čornak, Director of the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (SAIDC), who outlined opportunities for Slovak businesses to engage in development cooperation through SlovakAid instruments. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the private sector and non-governmental organisations, whose collaboration can bring expertise, technologies, and innovative solutions that respond to the needs of partner countries.
The panel discussion also presented opportunities to finance development projects through instruments offered by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, SAIDC, and EXIMBANKA SR, as well as opportunities arising from European initiatives, including Global Gateway. National support instruments can serve as a first step for Slovak businesses seeking to participate in larger international projects financed through European funding.
Export Forum also offered participants the opportunity to consult with more than 70 economic diplomats and staff members of Slovak diplomatic missions abroad. The accompanying Mini Expo exhibition featured 24 institutions and organisations providing support in the areas of exports, investment, and innovation.
SAIDC’s participation in the event highlighted the importance of linking economic diplomacy with development cooperation, which can create new opportunities for Slovak businesses while contributing to sustainable development in partner countries.
More photos from Export Forum 2026 are available in the “Export Forum 2026” photo gallery on Flickr, published by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.