The United Arab Emirates and the Slovak Republic have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation across a range of strategic sectors during the second UAE-Slovakia Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting held in Bratislava.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment, deepening collaboration in innovation-driven industries, and identifying new opportunities to support sustainable economic growth in both countries.
The meeting was co-chaired by Fahad Al Gergawi, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, and Vladimír Šimoňák, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia. It was attended by Pavol Banič, Ambassador of Slovakia to the UAE, alongside public and private sector representatives from both countries.
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in energy and green technologies, digitalization and cybersecurity, agriculture and food industries, infrastructure and smart urbanization technologies, and healthcare. The talks reflected the commitment of both countries to deepen economic cooperation and align with evolving global economic trends.
Officials highlighted opportunities to further increase non-oil trade, which reached $812.7 million in 2025. The two sides also explored cooperation in emerging industries, including green hydrogen, smart transportation, space technology, and waste management.
Key discussions covered the modernization of the Port of Bratislava and the potential restoration of direct flights between Dubai and Bratislava, aimed at enhancing connectivity and transport infrastructure between the two countries.
Fahad Al Gergawi Under-Secretary – UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade
“Our commitment to enhancing bilateral relations will unlock new opportunities for trade and investment across key sectors. By leveraging our strengths in energy, technology, agriculture, and healthcare, we can drive sustainable economic growth and accelerate innovation that benefits both nations.”
UAE-Slovakia Joint business forum explores investment ties
Alongside the JEC meeting, the UAE and Slovakia held a joint business forum bringing together government officials, investors, and business leaders to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.
In his address to the forum, Al Gergawi underscored the importance of building on the growing UAE-Slovakia relationship to support long-term and sustainable economic development.
Several leading Emirati investment entities participated in the forum, holding bilateral meetings with Slovak companies and institutions to discuss investment opportunities, exchange expertise, and strengthen commercial cooperation.
