NEWS

Prime Minister attends opening of the 5th Regional CEED Network Conference entitled 'Hot and Growing in SEE'

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today attended the opening of the 5th Regional CEED Network Conference in Bled and addressed the participants. This conference, which was named 'Hot and Growing SEE' by the organisers, represents the largest business network in Europe. In his speech, Prime Minister Pahor said that Slovenia is a small and open economy which is dependent on international cooperation and the economic environment. 'On the one hand this means that the crisis has had a significant effect on our exports, but on the other hand, the current increasing trend in exports is having a positive bearing on our economic growth,' explained the Prime Minister.

   

The Prime Minister further stated that the economic diplomacy policy adopted is opening up several new market opportunities to the Slovenian economy. 'In this respect, we are focused particularly on fast-growing markets, where we have not traditionally been present before,' pointed out Prime Minister Pahor, adding that we are also paving our way to the markets of large countries, such as China and India. Slovenia is aware of the importance of improving the competitiveness of its economy, and therefore all the endeavours made thus far are focused on supporting the development of innovation and fast-growing ambitious companies and technology parks. 'Therefore, the Government has earmarked approximately EUR 180 million for Slovenian development centres', pointed out the Prime Minister. The Government is devoting special attention to foreign direct investments, 'which may positively influence economic productivity, mainly through the transfer of technology, knowledge and greater integration with foreign markets,' added the Prime Minister. At the close of his address, Prime Minister Pahor touched upon the issue of administrative barriers and said that 'in order to facilitate the inflow of foreign capital into our market, it is necessary to eliminate administrative barriers and encourage creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in young people.'