Ljubljana, 24 September (STA) - IMAD, the government's macroeconomic forecaster, has upgraded its GDP projections for this year. Instead of a 7.6% contraction at the annual level predicted in the summer, it now expects the economy to shrink by 6.7%. However, it warns that uncertainty remains high.

Lendava, 23 September (STA) - Varis, one of the leading manufacturers of prefabricated bathrooms in Europe, has been doing well despite the coronavirus pandemic. It is now preparing to venture into production of wooden bathrooms and other sustainable prefabricated buildings.

Ljubljana, 18 September (STA) - The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will allocate EUR 65 million via Slovenia's state-run export and development SID Bank for financial instruments to mitigate ramifications of the Covid-19 epidemic. The funds will promote small and mid-sized businesses, said the Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy on Friday.

Slovenian producer of LED lightning Sloluks from Hoče in Eastern Slovenia has developed an innovative device for disinfecting public spaces and homes without using costly and environmentally harmful chemicals.

Slovenia was ranked 15th among the world's safest places to visit after the pandemic.

The pharmaceutical industry in Slovenia is dominated by groups Krka and Lek. The precondition for their success: behind the two groups there is an ecosystem of research institutions, excellence centers and small innovative biotech companies.