NEWS

Prime Minister Borut Pahor hosts Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on an official visit to Slovenia

At the invitation of Borut Pahor, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, the Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, Hui Liangyu, is paying an official visit to Slovenia today. After the meeting, Mr Pahor and Mr Hui confirmed that relations between the two countries, also characterised by strong economic links, are very good and friendly.

 

At the press conference on the margins of the meeting, Prime Minister Pahor expressed his satisfaction with the visit of the Chinese Vice Premier and said that this was an important day, as it distinctively marked the existing excellent relations, emphasised, in particular, by economic cooperation. He continued by highlighting the importance of bilateral trade in goods, which has enjoyed steady growth in recent years. In 2008, the bilateral exchange between Slovenia and China amounted to just over half a billion euros, which is a 25% increase in a single year.   Mr Pahor and Mr Hui agreed that, in spite of the existing successful economic cooperation, such cooperation could be additionally enhanced through direct investments and the yet unexploited possibilities of cooperation in the car, textile and chemical industries.

  

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

Chinese Vice Premier Hui pointed out that further friendly relations between the two countries would contribute to common interests. He went on by saying that he very much respects the position held by Slovenia in the international community as regards key global topics: "We are pleased by the positive role played by Slovenia within the European Union, and we highly appreciate Slovenia's understanding towards China regarding the latter's major concerns and essential interests."

 

Mr Pahor and Mr Hui stressed the importance of five agreements which will additionally strengthen bilateral links and cooperation in agriculture, health and medicine, as well as university and corporate cooperation.

  

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

During their talks, the two dignitaries also touched upon the economic and financial crisis and exchanged their respective views on this topic. Prime Minister Pahor informed the Chinese Vice Premier about the efforts of the Slovenian government "enabling a small and open economy to overcome the economic crisis". He particularly emphasised the significance of Slovenia's presence in the Chinese market and vice versa, as China represents one of the most important economic partners in Asia.

  

Later in the visit, Mr Pahor and Mr Hui will attend the Chinese-Slovenian Business Forum at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where they will also address the participants.