Years ago, current member of the executive committee of the Slovak National Hydrogen Association and member of the ITAPA advisory board Peter Blaškovitš also served as strategy director and deputy CEO of a telecommunications operator in Kuwait. Since then, he has been primarily active in domestic waters. Nevertheless, he remains associated with the Gulf region, serving as the president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Slovakia.
Your previous work experience in Kuwait is certainly an advantage for your work in the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce...
Yes, in the past, I spent several years working in Kuwait, but my responsibilities and competencies encompassed the entire GCC region and setting up branches in the region's countries. I consider experience from the region to be a huge advantage, especially in understanding the cultural environment and customs, which are inextricably linked to business relations in the region.
Why and in which areas is expanding cooperation with GCC countries so important right now?
Modern economic diplomacy should clearly define the countries in which we want to nurture it. Slovakia is a tiny country, and it is natural that we cannot do business everywhere in the world. We are in the European area, which sets clear rules for us, and we understand it. Therefore, I think it's not necessary to focus on developing relationships where we are at home. It is crucial that we pay attention to countries outside the European area, be it the Middle East, South America, China, Asia, or even some African countries. This definitely includes the GCC region and naturally its largest country, Saudi Arabia. I see possibilities to expand our cooperation primarily in areas such as industry, energy, healthcare, and technology.
The Slovak Minister of Interior Matúš Šutaj Eštok stated to the local media during his February visit to Saudi Arabia that, “We are absolutely different countries in terms of culture, but we are very close on a human level.” What are Saudis like, how do you deal with them?
The Minister hit the nail on the head, I think. It is truly inspiring to see government politicians who have such a sensitive perception of international relations despite the differences. My personal view of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very positive. I also have experience from other GCC countries, and I must say that Saudis are very hardworking. In some other countries in the region, there are occupations that the locals just don't do. For example, taxi drivers, crafts, jobs in gastronomy, and the like. That is not the case in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the locals work in all positions from the very top to manual labor, and therefore, no hierarchy and caste system is formed, although it must be said that the local society does have its rules regarding social status. Saudis exhibit remarkable natural hospitality, valuing trust and verbal agreements over formal contracts in business dealings. Negotiations can be challenging, but I interpret this as a natural inclination to safeguard their national interests – a characteristic from which Slovakia could certainly learn and benefit.
What opportunities does the local market offer for Slovak companies?
Saudi Arabia has an area of over two million square kilometers and over 35 million inhabitants, and from my experience, it represents huge opportunities for Slovak businesses. However, it is necessary to grasp one important aspect: Saudi Arabia is not merely an export market. They are precise in building their economy and understand that mineral wealth in the form of oil doesn't represent a sustainable future. Consequently, they are vigorously diversifying their economy and are primarily aiming to foster an attractive environment for foreign investment and facilitate technology transfer to advance Saudi Arabia's economic landscape.
And what can Slovakia offer Saudi Arabia?
Certainly the tourism sector, technological know-how, and high-quality people. I could also see Slovak companies being successful in the Saudi digital technology market. Slovakia is interesting due to its location and human capital. This combination, its people, and the strategic geographical location on the longest river Danube are very important in today's economy, especially in terms of transporting goods and energy products. Another advantage we have is energy – we have two nuclear power plants and a third one on the way, one major hydroelectric power plant, which is, incidentally, a very important structural element in the navigability of the Danube. In terms of tourism, it is mainly the well-being sector.
Could you mention some projects that have been launched under your leadership?
We are currently engaged in several projects. Foremost among them are the initiatives to establish green hydrogen production facilities and to enhance collaboration in digitalizing cultural heritage. Additionally, we are involved in various logistics projects, details of which I prefer not to disclose at this time
CV BOX
Peter Blaškovitš (born January 2, 1978, in Bratislava) is a Slovak manager and, among other things, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Slovakia.
He studied applied informatics and automation in industry at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology of the Slovak University of Technology in Trnava. For his academic contribution to the development of engineering, he received an award from the Technical University of Košice.
In the past, he led the National Center for Health Information, where he was responsible for launching the eHealth project, and the Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency, where he participated in the creation of the national hydrogen strategy of the Slovak government.
Today, he works as an advisor for many state-owned companies and even ministers and is a member of the executive committee of the Slovak National Hydrogen Association. He is also a member of the ITAPA Board of Advisors for the energy sector.
He has two children and lives in Bratislava.
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