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On the investment trail

Sunday, Apr 25, 2004, Page 4

Taipei Times: Can you comment on the purpose of your visit here?

Kondrot: The purpose of my visit was to understand, evaluate and support the possibilities for economic and trade connections between our two countries -- mainly to see about the interest of Taiwanese entrepreneurs in investing in Europe, and especially the Slovak Republic.

The Slovak Republic is quite a young republic. We became an independent nation after Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in 1993. Despite the fact we had to create a new state and important institutions, I think economically we have done quite well.

Slovakia became a member of NATO earlier this month, and on May 1, we will enter the EU, and we are already a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. This proves to potential investors that we are economically and politically a stable country and shows that we are being accepted by the most developed countries in the world. Among the central European countries, Slovakia in recent years has received the lowest amount of foreign investment. I feel that those other countries are now saturated. I think it is now our time.

I feel my trip has been very successful. I will report on it to my party [Smer], to the parliament and to the parliamentary economic committee.

TT: Which industries are you hoping to promote?

Kondrot: We have an interest in [promoting] high-tech production and biotechnology.

Because Slovakia has a highly educated and skilled labor force, and our labor is quite cheap, I think we are very suitable for investment.

Because our countries are quite far from each other, I don't see many possibilities for export/import business due to transportation costs.

TT: The Slovak Republic recently had its own presidential election on April 17, in which Ivan Gasparovic, your party's candidate, won 60 percent of the vote. There is much debate in Taiwan about the results of our presidential election. What are your thoughts on events here?

Kondrot: I just know what was reported in my country, that your president was shot before the election and that he won in a tight race.

TT: The Slovak election was similar in that a referendum was held on the day of the presidential election. Your referendum on shortening parliamentary terms was unsuccessful. Can you comment on that and what it might mean for referendums in Taiwan?

Kondrot: Slovak people are very new to the idea of referendums. In this referendum, only about 36 percent voted, which shows that the Slovakian people are not used to using the referendum as a tool to express their minds.

I don't know very much about your referendum, but I think if your people are not used to referendums, then referendums should not be held very often, and then only on the most important things where you have the support of the majority of the people. They must also receive strong support from political leaders.

TT: The Slovak Republic is well-known for peacefully separating from the Czechs. What lessons do you feel this offers countries seeking self-determination?

Kondrot: The only way is to discuss, discuss, discuss. Do not leave the discussions at a dead end. [What made the difference in Slovakia] was the quality of our politicians. They had vision. What is important for real politicians is to find uncommon solutions in common situations. If you cannot find the solution, go home, sleep and come back the next day and try to find another.

TT: What are your thoughts about Hong Kong, with its mass protests against Beijing's interpretation of the Basic Law? Do you feel it is a sign that the "one country, two systems" formula does not work?

Kondrot: Hong Kong had a more democratic system before. I think the situation in Hong Kong ... the system is quite young. Let it develop. I think the two systems are getting closer together. The communist system in China is trying to take some steps to enable better democracy or a higher level of democracy. They cannot do it very quickly or do it in jumps; if they do, they will make mistakes.
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