Slovenia is planning investments in SMEs in Serbia

Slovenia is planning investments in SMEs in Serbia, the Slovenian ambassador in Belgrade, Franc But, said who was awarded the Danube flower award at the Danube business forum .

- I understand the award as an acknowledgment for economic presence of Slovenia in Serbia and the region – But said.

Slovenia is present in Serbia through some 400 investments, ten of which failed, but others are very successful, he outlined, noticing that unfortunately most often we talk about the problematic ones. Some 25.000 people works in 1.600 Slovenian companies in Serbia.

- In December, I am going back to Slovenia where I will most likely work in the field of economic diplomacy and cooperation development. Current investments in Serbia total some EUR 1,2 billion and there would be much more but when Mercator was sold to Croatian owner it is some EUR 250 m lower investment value – But said.

Two Slovenian companies, Gorenje and Impol Seval in Sevojno are among the first five Serbian exporters to Russian market.

- I believe there will be more investments in the future but the focus will be on SMEs which will hire 100 and 250 people – But said, adding that small companies in Slovenia have the need to internationalize.

Serbian market has big potential since workforce in Serbia is very interesting and Serbia has interesting contracts with other countries, for instance Russia.

- In the next ten years, new kind of Slovenian investments will be present in Serbia – But added.

Within the Danube strategy, Serbia and Slovenia are in charge of the transport field and But thinks thefre is a lot of unexploited potential such as cargo 10 in railway. But reminded that as of November 1, within the new EC outline, Slovenia will have a commissionaire for transport, Violeta Bulc, and estimated that it will be important for Serbia.