AHK Slowakei celebrates 20th anniversary in 2025 (source: AHK Slowakei)
In 2005, Slovakia was widely regarded as the “Tatra Tiger” – a dynamic, fast-growing economy. The country attracted substantial foreign direct investment, including from Germany, and its export-led growth delivered notable GDP increases. EU accession and the forthcoming introduction of the euro further boosted investor confidence. It was in this context that AHK Slowakei, the German-Slovak Chamber of Industry and Commerce, was formally established, becoming the 57th German chamber of commerce abroad.
Milestones
2005 – official launch of AHK Slowakei
2015 – AHK Slowakei begins supporting a dual vocational education modelled on the German system, bridging gaps between education and industry.
2021 – launch of the #PartnerForSustainability platform, highlighting sustainable business practices among members
2022 – launch of the Eastern Slovakia Representative Office in Košice
“Its founding marked a turning point in the economic relationship between Germany and Slovakia, institutionalising a partnership that had already been developing since Slovakia’s independence in 1993,” said Markus Halt, Deputy Managing Director and spokesperson, who joined AHK Slowakei in 2006, speaking to The Slovak Spectator.
The chamber grew out of the German-Slovak Merchants Association and succeeded the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce. Its formation was prompted by increasing calls from the business community for more formal and structured representation of German economic interests in Slovakia, particularly in light of growing bilateral trade.
At the time, many German firms still regarded Slovakia as a “workbench” location – an extension of their manufacturing base. Since then, however, the business environment has changed significantly. Slovakia has moved from being a low-cost production hub to a more developed industrial economy, with increasing emphasis on higher value-added production and innovation.
