FM Promises Diplomacy Will Continue to Help Businesses

09. 01. 2014

FM Promises Diplomacy Will Continue to Help Businesses


Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec promised that the diplomatic network would continue to support and open doors for Slovenian businesses abroad, as he addressed a meeting of business representatives and diplomats on the final day of diplomatic consultations at Brdo pri Kranju.

 


Slovenia can overcome the crisis "not solely through bank restructuring and reforms but by opening new markets for its economy," the minister told the press.

 

Businesses expect support, someone to open doors for them, help them make new contacts and find strategic partners and capital, said the minister, adding that businesses were happy with the diplomatic service.

 

Janez Škrabec, the CEO of engineering company Riko, praised Slovenia's diplomatic network, saying he always received help, when he needed it.

 

"Many would not have been struck without them," said Škrabec.

 

He pointed to a major deal in Minsk, where his company is building a EUR 150m hotel.

 

"If it weren't for Erjavec, who protected the project in Brussels, it would not have been possible."

 

Marjan Batagelj, the president of a newly established business club, said that the members of Slovenian Business Club expected much help from diplomacy.

 

He said however that diplomats lacked clear guidelines regarding the economy's needs.

 

Joc Pečenik, the owner of Elektroček gaming supplier, expects that the diplomatic network will help restore Slovenia's reputation abroad.

 

"We will cooperate, even help financially for the service to provide the support we need."

 

Business representatives moreover agreed to draft a wish-list of most important tasks the diplomatic service.

 

The minister said that he would shortly travel to Turkmenistan to help Slovenian businesses.

 

"We expect a major deal...if of course the companies will draft an appropriate bid."


Tags: Slovenia, foreign policy, Foreign Minister, Karl Erjavec, diplomatic consultations, Brdo pri Kranju

 

Source: TheSloveniaTimes

FM Promises Diplomacy Will Continue to Help Businesses