BRATISLAVA’s share of foreign investment is decreasing. Investors are discovering the benefits of central and eastern Slovakia, and want to establish their manufacturing plants in smaller towns and even villages.
In the first half of the year, about Sk15 billion (€360 million) poured into new Slovak companies. Although Bratislava still attracts the lion’s share at 75 percent, the percentage is far below previous years, the daily SME wrote.
In 2003, Bratislava captured 84.3 percent of foreign direct investment. In 2002 it swallowed 91.5 percent.
The shift does not surprise Martin Barto, an analyst at Slovenská sporitelna bank. According to Barto, foreign investors can erect a modest headquarters in Bratislava but manufacture in the central or eastern regions, where real estate and labour is cheaper.
Compiled by Martina Jurinová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
