Farming.
The total area covers 4,9 million hectares, and agriculture's share of GDP increased from 9,4% in 1989 to 5,2% in 1998. Employment in agriculture increased from 12,5% of the total in 1989 to 5,7% in 1998.
It exports cereals, starch, milk and dairy products, legumes and beverages.
It imports fruits, vegetables, tropical products, animal feed, beverages and tobacco.
The main export markets are the Czech Republic, the EU, and Russia. The main policy measures supporting farmers are implemented through government intervention purchases with minimum prices for cereals, milk, and beef and pork, as well as certain subsidies.
Productivity has grown little in recent years, although the importance of forestry and timber production should be highlighted.
Industry.
Small businesses represent 75% of industrial companies and 25% of total employment, while medium and large companies provide the majority of jobs. The main sectors are:
• The metalworking sector (machine tools, capital goods, engines, transport equipment).
• The chemical industry.
• The steel sector. 4,8 million tons of steel are produced, which are transformed into other products. One-third of this production is exported.
• The wood, paper, cement, glass and ceramics sectors are important.
• The textile, clothing, leather goods and footwear sectors have had restructuring problems in recent years.
• The automotive sector, especially the Volkswagen Group, has grown in recent years as it has moved part of its mid-range car production to Bratislava to benefit from lower labor costs.
• Pharmaceutical industry, pneumatic equipment and water and electricity measuring instruments.
• The construction sector has developed a lot since the fall of communism.
Slovakia is a major energy consumer. It demands more than three times the European average per unit of GDP.
Services Sector
Tourism (30,76 million tourists in 1999) and the telecommunications sector stand out.
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