Premier: Slovak Gov't to Prepare Special Measures for Volkswagen Slovakia

Premier: Slovak Gov't to Prepare Special Measures for Volkswagen Slovakia

Bratislava, June 14 (TASR) – Bratislava-based carmaker Volkswagen Slovakia is the largest private employer in Slovakia, the largest tax payer and one of the most important investors in the country. Given its importance to the Slovak economy, the Government will immediately draw up special measures for this company, stated Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD) after meeting Volkswagen Slovakia management on Thursday.

The premier said that Slovakia will make this move for the second time, with the first time being special measures created for U.S. Steel Kosice steelmaker.

According to Pellegrini, the measures for the carmaker will be aimed at infrastructure, staff training as well as other areas.

Volkswagen Slovakia currently needs 1,850 new employees. In this regard, Pellegrini said that the measures will surely include the simplification of issuing work permits for foreign workers.

In addition to the premier, the talks with the management also included Finance Minister Peter Kazimir, Economy Minister Peter Ziga and Labour Minister Jan Richter (all Smer-SD), as their ministries cover the negotiated topics.

Volkswagen Slovakia currently employs 13,700 people. Last year the company generated a profit of €240 million and a turnover of €7.55 billion. Last year’s investment exceeded €369 million, with nearly 362,000 vehicles being produced at the plant.