Slovenia's activities and plans for future action at the economic diplomacy consultations
The consultations are aimed at addressing issues encountered by economic advisers in their day-to-day work and at presenting plans for future activities. Economic advisers at Slovenia’s diplomatic and consular missions cover its economic cooperation with as many as 60 countries around the world.
The participants were addressed by Minister Tanja Fajon, who emphasised that economic diplomacy remains a top priority for the ministry, as evidenced by a broad range of activities being carried out both in Slovenia and abroad. She highlighted key areas and objectives. These shape the direction and planning of future activities in the field of economic diplomacy. This includes Slovenia's membership of the UN Security Council, which has strengthened business opportunities on other continents. She emphasised the importance of involving the private sector in development cooperation at both national and European levels. She also underlined the need for responsible business conduct and integrity among public officials. She also touched on the ways in which geopolitical changes have shaped the new programme for the internationalisation of the Slovenian economy and emphasised the need for coordinated and comprehensive promotion of Slovenia’s achievements and excellence – in the economy, science, culture and beyond.
In cooperation with experts and representatives of the relevant ministries, participants also discussed a number of other topics closely related to economic diplomacy. The central part of the consultations focused on the work plans of economic advisers. Peter Japelj, Acting Director-General of the Directorate for Economic, Cultural and Science Diplomacy presented an overview of the guidelines for the future activities of economic diplomacy. In the ensuing discussion, participants shared their experiences and best practices, offering constructive suggestions for future targeted activities in this area.
The second day of the consultations took them to Maribor for the Slovenian Global Forum where the economic advisers were available for B2B meetings with companies.