BRATISLAVA, December 20, (WEBNOVINY) — Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikulas Dzurinda and Minister of Economy Juraj Miskov signed on Monday a delimitation protocol that transfers the agenda of commercial attaches under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of January 2011. Miskov said that by sealing this agreement both ministries fulfilled government’s program statement, which aims to increase effectiveness of management of political and economic diplomacy of the Slovak Republic. The protocol currently does not include an agreement on communication between the two ministries. Miskov said, however, that the Minister of Foreign Affairs assured him that such agreement would be tabled within two months. “I am convinced that the communication between commercial attaches and the departments will remain at the existing level and relations will be correct, constructive, and will contribute to support and development of the business environment, inflow of direct foreign investments, boost export and simplify entry of Slovak business subjects to markets of third countries,” said Miskov. He believes that commercial attaches are crucial in terms of inflow of direct foreign investments as they provide information from countries where they work about investors who are planning to invest in Central and Eastern Europe. “They are also important for Slovak companies seeking potential partners in a given country for establishment of joint ventures,” added Miskov.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikulas Dzurinda perceives the signing of the delimitation protocol that took place on Monday as a key factor in integration of political and economic activities of Slovakia’s external action service and more effective management and use of personnel and financial assets. “Our competent diplomatic representations will be much more efficient as sensitive and effective feelers of economic interests of the country and business subjects,” said Dzurinda. He added that economic diplomacy acquired a new dimension by signing the protocol and could play a key role in acquisition of investments and enhancement of export. Mikulas Dzurinda also said that the new agenda would require solid cooperation of all ministries, agencies, organizations, chambers of commerce and the business sector. He said that the aim of this move was to restore Slovakia’s status of an interesting destination for foreign investors and a country with a strong support to small and medium-sized businesses. On account of these goals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will establish a permanent economic-information center as of January 1, 2011. “This will be a permanent service, which businessmen can address anytime with any questions concerning the subject of their enterprise,” elaborated Dzurinda.
SITA