Gala Evening of Slovak Industry and Transport: Cooperation moves Slovakia forward

The gala evening once again showed that Slovak industry is not only a pillar of our economy, but also a symbol of cooperation and determination. This unique event brought together key players from industry, government and the tripartite, who together emphasised the importance of industry as a strategic partner for the future of Slovakia.

More than 300 guests – people with a clear vision, whose work moves Slovakia forward – met on 11 November 2024 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava hotel. Informal conversations, the exchange of business cards and chance meetings during the evening showed that personal contact can open the door to great solutions.

Cooperation at the centre of attention

Building partnerships and supporting new collaborations were what gave this evening its true meaning.

It was precisely the importance of cooperation between the state and entrepreneurs that strongly resonated in the speeches of all the speakers.

Key ideas of the evening

Alexej Beljajev emphasised that the world changes by our example, not by our opinion: „Industrialists in Slovakia have shown that they can face challenges flexibly and creatively. It is important that we can translate our experience and solutions into concrete steps that will help the whole of society. If we want to really change things for the better, we must cooperate and lead an open, constructive dialogue.“

The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico highlighted the importance of industry as a pillar of the Slovak economy: „In terms of GDP, Slovakia is the most industrial country in the European Union. What we have in Slovakia we must value and we must protect. If we do not unite, we will not move anywhere. Without cooperation between the government and entrepreneurs, with all due respect to employees, this country cannot progress.“

The Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Peter Žiga, entrusted with exercising the office of Speaker, pointed to the importance of communication and partnership: „The state and industry, quite logically, must pull together. When this symbiosis is disrupted, the whole country has a serious problem. We must communicate, listen to each other, because each of us bears a share of the responsibility.“

Innovative performances that captured the spirit of the times

The gala evening emphasised the dynamic changes that not only Slovak industry is undergoing. They were thematically underlined by the performances – the energetic dance show of the Old School Brothers group and the unique holographic concert by Peter Luha. They excellently embodied the innovation and modern approach that moves us forward in a changing world.

Thanks go to the APZD team and partners

One of the surprises of the evening was that the entire event was prepared in-house by the APZD team. From the first idea to the last detail. Each member of the team put into it an enormous dose of humanity, which helped to connect, inspire and leave a feeling that such meetings have meaning. We therefore believe that the ideas born here will soon see their successful realisation.

The event would not have been possible without the support of partners:

• Platinum partners – Tatra Banka, Tatravagónka Poprad
• Gold partners – Orlen, Slovenské elektrárne, Slovenský plynárenský priemysel – SPP, Kooperatíva poisťovňa
• Silver partners – Orange, Slovenská sporiteľňa, WOOD and Company, VGD
• Bronze partners – European Investment Bank, Ernst and Young, Sat automation
• Special partner – DUStream, which enriched the evening with drinks in the colours of our logo

Thank you