Ministry: New Industrial Park to Be Built for Porsche in Trencin Region (2)

Bratislava, December 13 (TASR) - At its session on Tuesday (December 12), the government approved an important investment status for 'Horna Streda Industrial Park', a new industrial park set to be built in Nove Mesto and Vahom (Trencin region) in response to Slovakia's lack of competitiveness in acquiring strategic investments with higher added value, the Economy Ministry press department reported on Wednesday. An investment worth one billion euros is being entertained by German car maker Porsche, which has been looking for a site for a car battery production facility. "We're making a maximum effort to prepare Slovakia for the arrival of new investors. I trust that the park will create an ideal environment for new investments but also innovations, and will contribute towards enhancing Slovakia's competitiveness," said Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD). The new industrial park in Horna Streda will cover almost 75 hectares, and €28.19 million has been allocated for its construction. The first phase of the investment into research and development of battery modules for Porsche vehicles will take place north of the new industrial park. The second phase, under evaluation by Porsche, could begin as of next year. If it is carried out, the current land in Horna Streda won't provide enough room for further expansion, which is why a company called Porsche Smart Battery Shop welcomes the creation of new strategic zone, added the ministry. The Porsche Group is also prepared to hold negotiations with the Economy Ministry on additional potential projects in the new industrial park with an eye towards continuing development and production in the region within the next two-three years. Potential investments in further phases could reach hundreds of millions of euros, pointed out the ministry. mf/df