The UAE-Slovakia Joint Economic Committee held its second meeting in the capital Bratislava to explore expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, driven by the growing momentum in bilateral trade and investment relations.
The meeting was co-chaired at a senior level, with Fahad Al Qarqawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, leading the UAE delegation, and Vladimir Shimonyak, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic, heading the Slovak side.
Slovak Ambassador to the UAE Pavol Panis also attended, along with representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries. Discussions focused on sustaining efforts to advance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including:
Trade and investment, energy and renewable energy, agriculture and food industries, transport and infrastructure, hospitality, destination development, and real estate projects, in addition to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and enhancing their role in economic development and innovation — reflecting both countries' commitment to broadening sustainable economic partnership.
The talks also explored new sustainable partnership opportunities aligned with global economic shifts and serving the mutual interests of both sides. Fahad Al Qarqawi said: "The UAE is committed to continuing to strengthen bilateral relations with Slovakia, opening new horizons and opportunities for cooperation across several key sectors.
By leveraging complementary strengths in energy, technology, agriculture, and healthcare, we can drive sustainable economic growth and accelerate innovation that serves the interests of both countries."
Discussions addressed the potential to increase non-oil trade between the two sides, which reached $812.7 million in 2025. The two sides also explored expanding cooperation in promising areas including green hydrogen, transport, and waste processing. Talks further touched on the possibility of re-establishing direct air links between UAE airports and Bratislava, with the aim of improving connectivity and transport infrastructure.
As the UAE and Slovakia continue to deepen their economic relationship, both parties expressed optimism about growth potential and mutual benefits, laying the groundwork for future partnerships across diverse sectors encompassing agriculture, air and logistics transport, health, and tourism, with emphasis on the importance of sustainable practices and innovation.
Alongside the committee's work, a joint business forum was organised, bringing together representatives from the government and private sectors of both countries in a step reflecting both sides' commitment to strengthening economic relations and expanding areas of cooperation and investment.
Fahad Al Qarqawi, in his address at the forum, underscored the importance of building on the growing bilateral relationship between the UAE and the Slovak Republic to support sustainable economic development and stimulate innovation.
A number of prominent UAE investment entities participated in the forum alongside Slovak companies and institutions, where investment and cooperation opportunities across several priority sectors were presented. Bilateral meetings were also held between company and institutional representatives from both sides to explore partnership opportunities, exchange expertise, and enhance trade and investment cooperation.
The UAE delegation included representatives and specialists from the government and private sector companies, among them: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Department of Economic Development, the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office, Mubadala, EDGE Group, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Eagle Hills, and the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.