Nation aims for more cooperation with Slovenia

As Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is paying an official visit to China from Tuesday to Sunday, the Slovenian-Chinese Business Council, part of the Slovenian business delegation that is accompanying the European country’s senior official, said on Wednesday that it foresees enhanced cooperation, particularly in sectors related to sustainability and innovation.

“This marks the largest Slovenian business delegation to China, including Slovenia’s largest exporters and companies from sectors like tourism, vehicles, logistics and pharmaceuticals. Despite Slovenia’s modest size, we are confident in our ability to foster substantial cooperation with our Chinese counterparts, focusing on these key areas,” Ziga Vavpotic, chairman of Slovenian-Chinese Business Council, said in an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Wednesday.

China’s remarkable economic development is undeniable and offers a valuable opportunity for collaboration, he said.

The team will make stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, and they plan to visit major companies such as JD.com, BYD and Huawei, he revealed.

“Post-visit, we foresee enhanced cooperation particularly in sectors related to sustainability and innovation. Known as a ‘green’ country and central to Europe, Slovenia is ideally positioned to attract Chinese tourists and business investment. We are also keen on introducing more Slovenian companies and products to the Chinese market in the near future,” Vavpotic noted.

Slovenia is also one of the partner countries under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework. In relation to the achievements that the two sides reaped under the BRI, Vavpotic said that participation in the BRI has strengthened the friendship between Slovenia and China.