Slovakia and Indiana deepen economic cooperation

Economy Minister Peter Žiga (Smer-SD) and Governor of the US state of Indiana Eric Holcomb have signed a memorandum on deeper economic cooperation. The meeting in Bratislava was also attended by Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD). According to Žiga, Slovakia has been cooperating with Indiana's National Guard for years, and there has been mutual interest in deepening cooperation beyond the sphere of defence. The Economy Minister sees great potential for cooperation mainly in the field of innovative technologies. Significant intersections also include the automotive industry as well as the diversification of energy sources. With its population of 6.6 million people, Indiana is similar to Slovakia, not only in terms of population, but also in the structure of the economy, said Economy Minstry spokesperson Maroš Stano. The automotive and mechanical engineering industries have a strong position in this pro-export-oriented American state. A large community of Slovaks lives in Indiana, while the state's capital of Indianapolis is home to a Slovak honorary consulate headed by Steve Zlatos, added the ministry spokesman.