Cebu explores economic, tech ties with Slovakia

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu is exploring closer economic and technology ties with Slovakia as local business leaders seek international partnerships to support the province’s industrial expansion, clean energy transition and urban resilience.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) hosted a delegation from the Embassy of the Slovak Republic on September 1 for discussions that brought together diplomats, business executives, academics and industry representatives to identify areas for potential collaboration.

The talks ranged from grid reliability and flood management to decentralized wastewater treatment and agricultural research. Participants also discussed small modular reactor concepts, an emerging technology that some governments and utilities are examining as a potential source of low-carbon power.

The Slovak delegation, led by Ambassador Miloš Koterec, presented the country’s capabilities in specialized manufacturing, clean technology and institutional research.

The embassy was also represented by Economic Diplomat Juraj Pavlis, Consul Vladimir Hodál and Honorary Consul Antonio Chiu.

Cebu representatives expressed interest in potential cooperation involving advanced mechanical engineering and automotive supply chains, university research and technical exchanges. The discussions also covered possible access to European Union (EU) development assistance and environmental grant programs.

For Cebu, the engagement forms part of an effort to attract foreign expertise and investment as the province expands its role as a manufacturing and services center outside Metro Manila.

CCCI president Regan Rex King said the chamber was working to strengthen links between Cebu businesses and international partners, research institutions and technology providers, with the aim of supporting long-term competitiveness.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local business chambers, universities and industry groups, including officials from the Mactan Economic Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers and the Mactan Export Processing Zone.

The discussions remain exploratory and no agreements were announced. But the exchange has opened a potential channel for future cooperation between Cebu and Slovakia in technology, industrial development, environmental sustainability and urban infrastructure.

For CCCI, the meeting reflects a growing push to connect Cebu’s private sector and academic institutions with overseas partners that could help address infrastructure constraints while supporting the province’s next phase of economic growth, King said.