Many of these now redundant enterprises were originally located in Slovakia for political reasons. However, after the division of the country in 1993, the newly-independent Slovak government found them to be something of a millstone. The bulk of the industrial economy has also been transferred to the private sector, including the key industries of machinery industries, chemical industries, textiles, leather, shoes, glass, electronics, nuclear energy and car manufacturing. Despite criticism from abroad about the conduct of economic reform, by 1997, the strategy appeared to have been largely successful as Slovakia's economy registered steady growth, low inflation and stable unemployment.
Business people wear suits.
A knowledge of German and English is useful. Long business lunches are usual.