NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor: Craft and small businesses to assume important role in Slovenian economy

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today attended a ceremony marking the opening of the 42nd International Craft Trade Fair in Celje. In his address, Mr Pahor emphasised the importance of craft and small businesses for our country, in particular, during the economic and financial crisis, as the two branches represent a vital part of Slovenia's economy: "In spite of the effects of the crisis, Slovenian craft and small businesses are today doubtlessly substantially stronger than during Slovenia's move to independence and the transition period. Therefore, we can realistically expect that this economic segment will now assume an important role in giving fresh impetus to the Slovenian economy."

 

(Foto: Katarina Kosec/Bobo)

 

Prime Minster Pahor pointed to measures which the Government, with a view to maintaining development activities in the Slovenian corporate sector, have already began to implement as part of financial and other incentives for entrepreneurs. "In adopting measures for mitigating the consequences of the economic crisis, we have increased funds this year within certain tenders, particularly those earmarked for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in order to facilitate their access to funding sources," said Mr Pahor and added that one of the priorities of the Slovenian Government was to "draft better legislation for small and medium-sized enterprises covering the simplification of current regulations, the inclusion of stakeholders in the process of adopting regulations, systematic impact assessment related to draft regulations, the elimination of administrative barriers and the reduction of administrative burdens".

 

(Foto: Katarina Kosec/Bobo)

  

The Slovenian Prime Minister further emphasised the efforts of the ministerial corps to proceed in the spirit of the "Think Small First" principle, as they are aware of the importance of small businesses "and the unacceptability of treating small entities in the same was as large ones". Mr Pahor specifically highlighted the significance of the interconnection between science and the economy as a key to faster development and increased competitiveness.

 

(Foto: Lili Pušnik/STA)

 

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister also said that a great deal had been done to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis and to encourage entrepreneurship; "however, this can and may not be the reason to stop finding new, even more effective ways of promoting and creating an entrepreneurship-friendly environment."