For Slovakia, this is particularly relevant. Slovakia remains one of the most export-oriented economies in Europe, with trade representing approximately 170% of GDP and exports of goods and services accounting for more than 90% of GDP according to the latest available World Bank data.
In this context, discussions about infrastructure, construction, real estate development, and regional capacity are no longer only domestic development topics. They increasingly represent broader economic issues directly connected to the competitiveness of Slovak companies operating in international markets.
Infrastructure as Part of Export Competitiveness
From the perspective of EXIMBANKA SR, modern infrastructure and efficient development capacity form an important part of the ecosystem supporting Slovak exporters. Companies expanding internationally require not only financing and export insurance solutions, but also strong industrial know-how, logistics capabilities and technological readiness, and the operational flexibility necessary to compete globally.
International trade has undergone significant changes in recent years. Geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, energy market volatility, and increasing pressure on industrial resilience have fundamentally changed the business environment in which exporters operate. Companies are increasingly diversifying markets, reassessing supply chains, and strengthening their resilience against external shocks. In such an environment, operational efficiency becomes a decisive competitive factor. Exporters must be able to deliver reliably, optimize logistics, adapt production quickly, and meet increasingly demanding standards from international partners and customers.
This is where infrastructure and real estate development become closely connected to export performance. Modern logistics systems, transport connectivity, industrial facilities, warehousing capacity, and efficient construction processes all influence the ability of companies to operate successfully across borders.
Real Estate Development Beyond Domestic Markets
Real estate development and construction today also represent important export opportunities themselves. Slovak companies operating in construction, engineering, industrial technologies, energy infrastructure, and project delivery increasingly participate in projects abroad, including industrial parks, logistics hubs, transport infrastructure, commercial development, and technology-driven construction solutions.
Slovak companies possess strong industrial know-how and long-standing expertise in sectors connected to construction, engineering, industrial production, transport infrastructure, and energy solutions. Their competitiveness increasingly depends on the ability to deliver comprehensive solutions efficiently and reliably in demanding international environments.
The importance of construction and development activities is also reflected in broader economic data. According to the Statistical Office, construction production in Slovakia exceeded EUR 8 billion in 2025, representing one of the strongest annual performances of the sector in recent years. At the same time, employment in the construction sector reached approximately 194,000 people by the end of 2025. Across Europe, construction and real estate development remain closely connected to industrial growth, transport connectivity, energy investments, and the long-term resilience of modern economies.
Logistics and Industrial Capacity as Strategic Assets
For many Slovak exporters, access to efficient logistics infrastructure and industrial capacity has become increasingly important. Companies competing globally must operate within supply chains that prioritize speed, predictability, and resilience.
In recent years, growing demand for logistics centers, industrial parks, energy infrastructure, and warehousing facilities across Europe has created new opportunities for Slovak suppliers and contractors. Slovak companies are increasingly participating in international projects requiring technical expertise, engineering know-how, and strong project management capabilities.
Additional opportunities may emerge from future reconstruction and infrastructure investments in neighboring regions, particularly in connection with Ukraine’s recovery. Large-scale strategic projects such as the potential development of a new nuclear power source, estimated at approximately EUR 15 billion, could significantly strengthen Slovakia’s industrial base, energy security, and long-term export competitiveness, especially given the potential involvement of Slovak suppliers at a localization level of 50–60%. Slovak exporters possess the expertise and manufacturing capabilities to participate not only in domestic supply chains, but also in future nuclear and infrastructure projects across Central Europe.
Infrastructure and Export Readiness
From the perspective of EXIMBANKA SR, supporting export competitiveness therefore extends beyond financing and insurance instruments alone. It is also about supporting the broader conditions that enable Slovak companies to grow, participate in cross-border projects, and compete successfully.
According to latest forecasts, Slovak export performance is expected to remain under pressure in 2026 due to weaker foreign demand, higher trade barriers, and continuing uncertainty in global trade. A gradual recovery is expected for 2027 as conditions in key export markets gradually improve. This highlights the importance of maintaining industrial resilience, operational flexibility, and strong export capacity.
Slovakia has the potential to further strengthen its position as a competitive export-oriented economy with strong industrial and engineering capabilities. Continued development of infrastructure, logistics capacity, industrial real estate, modern construction solutions, and technological readiness will remain important factors supporting long-term export growth.
From the perspective of EXIMBANKA SR, international competitiveness today depends not only on the quality of products and services, but increasingly on the ability of companies to operate efficiently within modern industrial and logistics ecosystems. Infrastructure, real estate development, engineering capacity, and efficient project implementation therefore represent not only domestic economic priorities, but also important tools supporting the international success of Slovak exporters.
Rastislav Podhorec, CEO, EXIMBANKA SR
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