Slovakia and Italy Sign Cooperation Deals to Boost Trade and Air Links

Bari/Bratislava, 5 June (TASR-correspondent) - The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) on Thursday (4 June) signed a memorandum of cooperation in the Italian city of Bari with Confindustria Bari aimed at developing bilateral economic cooperation and supporting investment and trade, TASR has learnt from its special correspondent in Bari. Representatives of Bratislava and Kosice airports also signed cooperation agreements with their Italian partners, Aeroporti di Puglia and Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport. The signing of the memoranda formed part of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's working visit to Bari, where he also inaugurated a new honorary consulate. The SARIO memorandum is non-binding and expresses an interest in supporting contacts, exchanging business opportunities, cooperating in the organisation of business missions, conferences and trade events, as well as joint projects focused on promoting investment and economic relations. "This region isn't focused solely on tourism. It's also expanding its industrial base with highly modern sectors such as the automotive and the aerospace industry," said SARIO general director Egon Zorad. At present, flights operate twice a week between Bratislava and Bari. Dusan Novota, general director of M.R. Stefanik Airport, said that the memorandum is also important for promoting the route. "Bari is a very popular destination, especially in summer, but now also in winter. We expected traffic to slow during the winter months and pick up again in the summer. Paradoxically, it was Italians travelling to Bratislava who used the route in winter, with Italian travellers accounting for nearly 70 percent of passengers during those months. Now the situation has reversed and Italy is currently the number one destination for flights from Bratislava," he said, adding that strengthening the route in the future can't be ruled out. Apulia is a dynamically developing region in southern Italy which, thanks to its strategic location, serves as a natural bridge between southern Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean area. The region has significant economic potential, particularly in industry, agriculture, energy and tourism. Tourism accounts for approximately 13.6 percent of regional gross domestic product, supported by the coastline, clean beaches and rich cultural heritage. "It's a world-renowned olive oil producing region. There are more than 60 million olive trees in this region alone, and it has a strong agricultural tradition," said Pelligrini. "I believe that we'll see stronger air connectivity between our two countries, not only through Bratislava but also via Kosice. That is the plan for the future," he added. mf/df