In terms of population, this is the largest region in the Slovak Republic. Chemicals, paper, publishing, electro-technical and power generation form the bedrock of the region’s industrial base. The automotive component sector is also well represented by companies like ZVL, producing anti-friction bearings and VAP manufacturing a range of hydraulic and silencer products.

With a population of 100,000, the capital city’s university is the seat of the Faculty of Arts, the Greek-Catholic Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Education and plays host to the Faculty of Production Technologies of the Technical University of Kosice.

The region is comparatively well known internationally on account of the Tatra National Park within which, the High and Low Tatras provide excellent skiing facilities. In addition to satisfying the needs of manufacturing related foreign investors there are outstanding tourism investment opportunities boosted by favourable tax concessions.

Many of the 12,500 employees engaged in manufacturing sector face an uncertain future as their companies strive for greater cost efficiencies and become less labour intensive. Consequently, the supply of skilled and semi-skilled labour is destined to increase and with unemployment over 20%, that can benefit future investors.

Strong in the production of cellulose along with chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the regions also supports significant electromechanical and automotive component manufacture. Major companies with foreign capital include Krizik making industrial robots and ZVL Auto and VAP a.s manufacturing antifriction bearings and hydraulic equipment respectivelycomponents.

General information

Slovakia boasts eight well developed regions and in terms of population, they are finely balanced, as the table below illustrates

Regions of Slovakia and Population - Total Population of Country - 5.4 million

Unlike the neighbouring countries with which Slovakia competes for foreign direct investment, manufacturing and the established infrastructure to underpin the activities, is not concentrated in a few territories. Rather, Slovakia has a well balanced manufacturing base with an even distribution of production activity across the eight regions as outlined below.

Regions of Slovakia - Workforce engaged in Manufacturing