Lisburn City Council recently had the honour of welcoming the First Secretary of the Embassy of Slovakia in London, Mr Vladimir Kumičák, to Lisburn as part of a Council funded trade development programme which assists local businesses to access markets in Central and Eastern Europe.
Mr Kumičák, who is the Head of the Commercial and Economic Development at the Slovak Embassy, met with local companies who are participating on the programme and provided them with a valuable insight into the Slovakian market, as well as providing advice and information on how to successfully engage in business transactions in this market.
Councillor Jenny Palmer Chairman of the Councils Economic Development Committee was delighted to welcome Mr Kumičák to the City of Lisburn. She said, “The Council is committed to developing strategic partnerships with countries in the European Union, such as Slovakia, both civic and business, and indeed, since 2004 the Council has organised seven trade visits to the region, helping over forty local businesses explore these emerging European markets. This has resulted in new business partnerships, increased sales and importantly exposure to new international markets which brings with it new ideas, best practice and knowledge transfer which can help to secure the long term sustainability of local businesses and safeguard local jobs.”
Currently eleven local businesses are participating on this trade programme and are exploring new business opportunities in markets including Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland.
