On the second leg of his visit to China, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, accompanied by a strong business delegation, travelled to Shanghai; a city regarded as the cradle and driving force of economic development in China. Its level of development, geographical position and outward openness are among the advantages recognised by the Slovenian business sector.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec)

 

Shanghai is rapidly becoming an important economic centre for many Slovenian companies which are increasingly investing in businesses and opening representative offices in the city. At present there are some 30 Slovenian offices and companies in China, employing over 40 foreign and 1,600 Chinese workers.

 

In July, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved the opening of a business office in Shanghai to encourage both the presence of Slovenian companies in China, and Chinese direct investment in Slovenia. The opening was attended by the PM and the Minister of the Economy, Andrej Vizjak, who took the opportunity to stress that in 2006 the Government began to set up a network of Slovenian foreign economic representations. So far, four representation offices have been opened in Italy, Germany, Turkey and Romania, respectively. This year, three new ones are being opened in more distant and perspective markets: the Russian Federation, Brazil and Shanghai.

  

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

This morning, the PM, accompanied by the foreign and economy ministers, visited the Avtoelektrika company located in the vicinity of Shanghai, which produces motor starters and alternators, and employs over one hundred people. The company's management presented their work and future development plans to the PM, who congratulated them on the success and wished them many more in the future.

 

Following a meeting with Slovenian business representatives, the PM said that the visit had been a success, adding that he was pleased with the fact that concrete agreements had been made, and that a number of new contacts had been established. This will enable many Slovenian entrepreneurs in China to continue and even enhance their businesses, and others to launch successful business partnerships. According to Mr Janša, political relations, which were reaffirmed during the visit, constitute the basis for new business connections between both countries, and reducing red tape.

 

Against the backdrop of the official visit, the Slovenian side also mentioned the issue of the attendance of the Slovenian gymnast, Aljaž Pegan, at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, which has not been decided yet. "We have asked the hosts for assistance in resolving this issue, which they kindly agreed to. I have discussed this with the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, while the Minister of Health, Zofija Mazej Kukovič, met separately with representatives of the Chinese Olympic Committee. Our position was appreciated. When our request for the performance of Aljaž Pegan at this greatest sport event is discussed, China will provide its support," said the PM.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

Before his departure to Slovenia PM Janša also met the Mayor of Shanghai Han Zheng with whom he discussed Slovenia's participation at the world exhibition Expo, which is going to take place in Shanghai in 2010.