Trade Cooperation Between Slovakia and GCC Countries: Development and Opportunities
Dominik NOVÁK – Elena KAŠŤÁKOVÁ
https://doi.org/10.18267/pr.2026.vol.2587.25
Abstract: The paper analyses bilateral trade between Slovakia and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the context of the region’s diversification strategies implemented through the “Vision” programmes. The objective is to examine how Slovakia–GCC trade developed in 2005–2024, whether bilateral trade links display above- or below-expected intensity, how compatible Slovakia’s export structure is with GCC import demand, and where the largest unrealised export opportunities remain. Using ITC Trade Map data, the paper applies the Trade Intensity Index (TII) and the Trade Complementarity Index (TCI); additional opportunities are assessed through the ITC Export Potential Map. The results show marked heterogeneity across GCC partners. The UAE remains Slovakia’s dominant market in absolute terms, but its TII stays below 1, which indicates that Slovakia’s position in this highly competitive import hub is still weaker than the country’s overall export profile would suggest. Kuwait records the strongest intensity values, while TCI results for 2024 indicate moderate structural compatibility across all GCC markets, with the highest value observed for Saudi Arabia. Export potential is concentrated mainly in electronics, selected machinery, and transport-related manufactures, yet its utilisation remains low. This suggests that moderate product compatibility alone is not sufficient for export expansion without stronger market access, business networks, and firm-level capabilities.
Keywords: Slovakia, GCC, trade intensity index, trade complementarity, export potential
JEL Classification codes: F10, F14, F50
Fulltext: PDF
Published by: Prague University of Economics and Business, Oeconomica Publishing House
Year of publication: 2026
Online publication date: 20 May 2026
Copyright: Authors of the papers
ISBN 978-80-245-2587-7
ISSN 2453-6113
Pages