Press Release

October, 9^th 2025

Bratislava – Today the Annual Conference of the Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations (CITHA) starts for the first time in Bratislava, Slovakia, by the invitation of the The Slovak Association of Exporters and Importers (SAEI). The focus lies on exchange of opinions and ideas and the strengthening and promoting of trade between Slovakia and other European countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Croatia and United Kingdom.

Delivering Prosperity Through Economic Cooperation

The European economy currently finds itself in a phase of cautious stabilization after a period of significant external pressures. While growth remains modest, recent months have shown resilience in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and services. Inflationary pressures have eased compared to previous peaks, while fiscal policy continues to balance the need for investment in competitiveness with commitments to fiscal discipline.

At the same time, European trade is confronted with a complex global environment: geopolitical tensions, shifting supply chains, and the rise of non‑tariff barriers continue to shape the international business climate. Nevertheless, the European Union retains its position as one of the world’s largest and most open economic blocs, anchored by strong internal demand, robust regulatory frameworks, and an ongoing commitment to sustainable and fair trade.

Foreign trade associations play a crucial role in shaping these developments. By acting as a bridge between policymakers and businesses, they make the challenges facing exporters visible and help identify pragmatic solutions. Their collective expertise supports the diversification of trade partnerships, ensures that the concerns of small and medium‑sized enterprises are heard, and contributes to the formulation of policies that strengthen Europe’s resilience and competitiveness.

“Against this background, cooperation in Europe is more important than ever. Together we must do everything we can to prevent further erosion of the international trade order. This is the time when we need to re-energise relations with our traditional foreign trade partners. It is therefore a great pleasure for us – the umbrella organisation of European foreign trade associations – to meet with Slovakian Business here in Bratislava these days to discuss how we too can expand trade between our countries.” said Jan Krückemeyer, President of CITHA.

Dr. Juraj Haško, Executive Chairman of SAEI, adds „The SAEI is very glad to host CITHA with its members who presents thousands of enterprices around the Western plus Central Eastern Europe and discuss with them current global issues in international trade“.

About CITHA

The organisation was founded in 1956 as a small group of international trading companies in Scandinavia with the aim of meeting once a year to exchange information on their activities and to represent common interests. In 1971, the so-called “Stockholm Club”, which was soon joined by German and Dutch international companies, was given its statutes and a new name: CITHA was formally constituted as an international umbrella organisation for national trade associations. Today CITHA has member associations of Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In 2005, by decree of the Ministry of Justice, CITHA became an NGO registered in Brussels and recognised by important international institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, UNCTAD, OECD, WTO and EU Commission.