Košice has a population of approximately 240,000 inhabitants, ranking as the second largest city in Slovakia after the capital Bratislava. In 2013, it was the European Capital of Culture. The main areas for economic development are smart city – technologies and IT technologies for smart cities, urban economy – start-ups and innovations, green development – waste recycling and green energy.
Košice started some cooperation with Vietnam few years ago. In 2015, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Partnership with Danang City and – in 2016 – another Memorandum of understanding and partnership was signed with Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to a Vietnamese investment in the IT sector. The city has a considerable IT cluster called IT Valley, established in 2007 by IT companies, the City of Košice and local universities. Now it provides jobs for more the 10.000 people. The cluster has completely changed the economic focus of the city which was historically oriented towards steel production.