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March 30, 2019

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Foundations for a bright Sino-Slovak future

WHEN Ivana Vala Magatova first came to China in 2002, the Slovakian insisted on a visit to Shanghai. The fact she was in Beijing and would only get two hours to see the city after travel didn’t matter a jot. She came to see the Bund and left a happier woman for seeing it.

A year later, Shanghai and Bratislava became sister cities, much to the diplomat’s delight. It felt like a good omen for the two cities — the foundations had been laid for a positive future relationship.

The diplomat returned to the metropolis at the end of 2009 as general commissioner for the Slovakian Pavilion at the Expo Shanghai. The six-month expo allowed Slovakia to showcase and promote the very best of the nation’s products and culture.

And it was during this time that Slovakia sent its largest delegation to China, which included then president Ivan Gasparovic, ministers, corporations and some of Slovakia’s most famous musicians.

Several years on and Magatova is back in the city again, this time as the consul general of Slovakia, just in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two nations, which traces back to when Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia.

The diplomat has seen big changes to the ever-expanding metropolis since her last visit. New buildings have shot up, the airport has been extended alongside new metro lines and mobile phone payments have been introduced, some of the many things that didn’t exist when she first visited Shanghai.

“I can see big progress in the city,” Magatova said. “The organization of transportation is rather impressive considering the population of Shanghai. I can see administrative steps to keep the city clean. Of course, I hope pollution can get better. And I really enjoy the mobile phone payment system. I can pretty much use it everywhere.”

She also found that almost everyone is glued to their mobile phone, something uncommon in her hometown. But as a diplomat, she values more face-to-face exchanges than communication via electronic devices.

“That’s also one of the best parts of my job — to introduce my country and support it in various fields while discovering other countries,” she said.

She is currently planning tourism events, pairing companies from both countries with potential to cooperate, handpicking musicians and painters that represent not only the traditional culture of Slovakia but also its contemporary face, as well as trade, education, and science and technology.

The number of Chinese tourists into Slovakia has increased year-on-year, although they generally enter via another nearby European country. The consul general hopes to open a direct flight from China to Slovakia. Right now, tourists can travel from China to Slovakia via Dubai or Istanbul.

“Chinese tourists often travel around Europe and take on a few countries in one trip, and I believe Slovakia has a lot to offer,” she said.

Her first recommendation to Chinese tourists is Bratislava’s Coronation Day, held in June, a vivid celebration of the country’s rich history and traditions.

“Eleven kings and eight queens were crowned in Bratislava,” she said. “When the Turks swept the area, the royal family chose Bratislava as the safest city as it is a little further away and less likely to be attacked.”

St Martin’s Cathedral, where the nation’s kings and queens were crowned between 16th and 19th century, is one of the oldest churches in the city. The historical city center is also close to several other sites of cultural significance.

“You can enjoy the magic of nature in the areas surrounding the city. I love going on small boating trips through the water mills. You can enjoy the trees, flowers and animals in the spring,” she said, adding that the Tatra Mountains is popular in winter among ski fans.

Slovakia also has several UNESCO world heritage sites, including the Spis Castle, one of Europe’s biggest castles. Another part of the nation’s unique heritage site is the rich variety of caves. There are rare ice caves to be discovered and an even rarer cave filled with aragonite — Ochtinska Aragonite Cave in its southern areas.

“Chinese tourists are likely to enjoy the many mineral spa sites in Slovakia too, popular especially among German visitors,” the consul general added. “Traditional Chinese medicine is popular and the mineral spas are like traditional Western medicines — maintaining wellness through nature’s gifts.”

Magatova’s other mission is to find more Slovakian products that fit the vast Chinese market. The “flying car,” introduced by Slovak technology company AeroMobil, was a big eye-catcher at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai last year, drawing a lot of public attention, media fever and potential local partners.

Traditionally strong in the automobile market, many Slovakian engineers work in Chinese and foreign automobile plants in Shanghai. The consulate sees great potential in this area between Slovakia and China.

Food is another area with potential and the consulate hopes to introduce Slovakian brands to the Chinese market. Currently, Slovakia wine is available in many places.

The diplomat has also been busy attending cultural events across the office’s jurisdiction in Shanghai and nearby provinces, citing cultural exchange an important mission for her.

“I’m currently finalizing an exhibition for a Slovakian painter and planning to introduce a famous jazz musician from my country,” she said. “We have had some folk groups perform here, but I want to introduce more contemporary culture from Slovakia. Jazz is popular both in Shanghai and home.”




 

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