Prešov is a major economic, administrative and cultural centre of eastern Slovakia. It offers businesses highly qualified workforce. For investors and business man Prešov actively forms conditions for successful enterprising and develop investment opportunities, in the form of brown fields and green fields.
Average rate of unemployment to the end of year 2005 was aroung 14% according Office of labour, social affairs and family.. In this region, the government offers an opportunity to apply for the highest possible governmental incentives for newly created jobs and employee training. The corporate and income taxes are at 19% in Slovakia, and there is a 0% share of profits tax, which ranks Slovakia among countries with low tax burden on businesses.
As a regional centre, Prešov represents the largest region in Slovakia, and with the population of 91 621 it is also the country's third biggest city.
Prešov's economy is dominated by manufacturing industries, specifically by mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Textile and clothing industries are significant too, and the service sector is developing as well. A lot of cultural, educational and sporting opportunities are available for Prešov's inhabitants and visitors. The newly reconstructed historical old town is the centre of trade and social life. A number of international retail chains and hypermarkets have come to the city. A long tradition in education is represented by the Prešov University and the Prešov-based Faculty of Production Technologies of the University of Technology in Košice.