ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

MR SAMUEL ŽBOGAR

AT THE BUSINESS CONFERENCE

"INVESTING IN GREEN"

24 September 2010 in New York

·  The topic of the conference offers a good answer to present trends in the development of the economy and society. The problem of the constant growth in demand for energy; society's dependence on fossil fuels and their global distribution is the basis of any important discussion in both political and business spheres alike.

·  The impact of the use of fossil fuels on global warming can be reduced by a more efficient use of energy, provided that this is combined with a simultaneous transition to cleaner, renewable sources of energy.

·  Unlike limited and unequally distributed fossil fuel sources, renewable sources are of great significance for long-term energy security. They diversify supply and reduce dependence on the import of energy-generating products.

·  The use of new energy sources has a positive influence on economic growth, and creates new jobs, especially during the economic crisis.

·  The use of the entire spectrum of renewable sources should be encouraged; this includes hydro, solar, wind and geothermal energy, as well as the use of biomass.

·  The solution is not in the use of one particular technology. A wider palette of renewable sources offers a wider range of choice for the consumer, increased competition, faster technological advance and, primarily, the diversification of energy sources.

·  With their share amounting to about 15% of final consumption, renewable sources of energy are important sources of primary energy in Slovenia. Increasing this percentage is a priority of the country's energy and environmental policy.

·  Slovenia plans to achieve a 25% share of renewable sources of energy in final consumption and a 10% share in traffic by 2020. By 2030, it is projected to achieve a 40% share of renewable sources in total final consumption. We wish to halt the growth in the use of final energy and make its use efficient.

·  Hydro-electric energy is of significant importance in Slovenia; a third of all the electricity is produced by this means. Wood potential is as important; about 60% of Slovenia is forest, one of the highest shares of forested area in Europe.

·  Recently, the transition to renewable energy sources has become governments' highest priority policy, both in developing and developed countries. Slovenia is highly active in this field and bound to meet its environmental commitments.

·  It was our initiative to establish the Green Group, a circle of six small like-minded countries (i.e., Costa Rica, Iceland, Cape Verde, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Slovenia) and are willing to have joint activities in combating climate change.

·  To this end, environmental attachés joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this year. Alongside the environment correspondent responsible for the coordination of their work, the attachés are successfully introducing environmental topics into the Slovenian diplomatic network.

·  Their work has proven that the issues of environment and climate can bring together the interests of developed and developing countries. Slovenian diplomacy has become part of the environmental cooperation network that links governmental and civil efforts for the wellbeing of our planet.

·  Strong and successful Slovenian companies work in the field of green technology; their research and development departments are powerful and their work has often ranked them among the leading global companies.

·  Today, we are joined by leading companies specialised in alternative energy sources, energy efficiency in construction, the automobile industry and transport, and environmentally friendly services.

·  Numerous Slovenian companies that are here today, wish to meet American partners to co-develop innovative technologies and R&D, present themselves together on the North American market or cooperate in establishing production in the USA or Slovenia.

·  I am convinced that cooperation between Slovenian and American green-tech companies can yield mutual business advantages and contribute to the broadening of knowledge and new innovation.

·  New York, this great city, has always been a nexus of innovation and creativity. This is why the city is an excellent stage for launching new ideas and forging new partnerships.

·  I would like to thank those that have helped make this event successful, especially the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

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