Interview with Dr. Guido Glania, CEO of
Slovak-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Slowakei)
Brief answers to basic questions regarding interesting and successful company - the Slovak-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Slowakei)
We recently have had an opportunity to speak directly to Mr. Dr. Guido Glania, CEO of Slovak-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Slowakei). We asked some questions which might be interesting and useful to our readers as well:
1. Could you please briefly explain history of AHK and why have you decided to start in Slovakia?
The Slovak-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Slowakei) was founded in 2005 and since then it has been developing and promoting trade and investment between the Slovak Republic and Germany. With a bilateral trade volume of over 25 bio. EUR Slovakia is one of the most important trade partner for Germany. In return, Germany is the most important trading partner for Slovakia. SNOPK is supporting this dynamic bilateral exchange. It offers a helping hand with company market access on the both sides.
2. What is the main purpose of AHK in Slovakia and could you please explain what are the main benefits of being a member?
The Slovak-German Chamber of Commerce is a business association representing more than 420 member companies from Slovakia and Germany. It advises companies on market opportunities and assists in finding reliable business partners. Furthermore, it is a first point of contact regarding participation at some trade fairs in Germany. As a member organization, the chamber also provides various kinds of events like networking meetings, match makings, seminars and trainings, discussions and workshops on numerous business topics.
3. For whom is primarily a membership in AHK assigned for? Who can use your services?
We are open to every company, which wants to benefit from a strong business to business network and wants to support the German-Slovak business community. We have various members in different areas. Of course, many of them are traditional German companies that invested in the Slovak market. However, there are many other companies, that want to be in contact with German companies or just want to be seen on the market and increase their publicity. In addition, we are strong advocates for improving the business environment. Not surprisingly, we are one of the key drivers for enhancing technical vocational training in Slovakia.
4. What kind of events in Slovakia do you organize and how often?
As mentioned, AHK Slowakei organizes a lot of networking events, seminars and conferences in different areas. One of our most popular events is named Jour Fixe. It is basically a networking event, where the participants have the great opportunity to gain direct and informal contact with managers of the attending companies. We organize it on regular basis in the evening in Bratislava and in other Slovak regions. The last one was in Bratislava – our Christmas Jour Fixe – with more than 200 participants and at smaller one in Banská Bystrica with more than 40 representatives of the companies from the region.
We organized a successful conference and exhibition Automotive Suppliers CEE in Zilina. The conference brought together all 4 automotive manufacturers in Slovakia, many important automotive suppliers as well as professionals under one roof. The following day one of the biggest B2B networking events in automotive industry took place at the same place.
5. What are the major partners and clients of AHK in the present?
It is our mission to help German and Slovak companies do be successful. Our clients are all 420 companies that are our members as well as anybody who is interested in services or events.
6. How do you see AHK in 5 years from now?
I feel, that the Slovak-German relations have still a lot of potential to grow and to deepen. In example, we wish to boost cooperation between universities and companies. Dual university studies is a success model in Germany, which we wish to introduce to Slovakia. German companies in Slovakia hire ever more engineers. They are moving their operations up the value chain. This is exactly the development we wish to accelerate. More knowledge based business, more innovation, more cooperation with creative startups. We as experienced and well connected bridgebuilders are very well positioned to support this trend.
Source: Interview questions prepared by Prepriemysel and answered by Mr. Dr. Guido Glania.
[TheChamp-Sharing]