24.08.2011
The combination of qualified people, a can-do ethic and infrastructure
Often referred to as “the best kept secret of Europe”, Slovenia has finally emerged from the long shadow cast by former Yugoslavia and 10 years into the new millennium, it is respected for its merits, its people set standards in industry and science, and enjoy a reputation for innovation and commitment to deliver. Add excellent facilities and education institutions to the picture and Slovenia becomes a perfect place to expand operations of foreign companies by investing in the country between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.
Slovenia’s innovative companies with ground-breaking solutions better known abroad than at home build on the country’s long industrial tradition. As early as 40 years ago, Slovenian manufacturing and engineering enterprises sold sophisticated equipment and provided turn-key solutions for large international projects. The fact that Slovenian enterprises found new buyers quickly after the meltdown that swept their domestic market nearly 20 years ago, speaks highly of the capability of every sector of Slovenia’s economy to develop products and expand business. The climate for innovation has never been better than now and there is every chance of investing in operations that would export expertise and skills found in Slovenia as goods and services for third markets.
The key sectors that live up to expectations range from electrical engineering and electronics to automotive industry and pharmaceuticals and life science sector to chemical industry. The business services sector in general and the financial sector in particular have come to fore. Tourism is still waiting to bank on Slovenia’s aces: natural and man-made facilities for well-being, food and drink with provenance and offers great opportunities to investors capable of spotting opportunities in developing the country’s competitive advantages as Slovenian produce is a much-sought commodity.
Slovenia’s 53rd place in the Doing Business 2010 ranking (World Bank’s Doing Business) project clearly speaks of the country’s openness and prowess when it comes to foreign direct investment and business internationalisation.
Selected indicators
- Source: Eurostat, Statistical Annex to European Economic Forecast – Spring 2011; IMAD, Spring forecast of economic trends 2011
