Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to be here today and to address such a large audience. I'm really glad that you have gathered in such large numbers.

Today's event reflects our friendly relations and close ties, but also the mutual interest to further intensify trade and economic relations.

Bilateral economic cooperation is just one, but significant, element of our wide-ranging relations. For the last 3 years bilateral trade exchange surpassed the EUR 1 billion mark, thus placing Czech Republic on the 8th place of the Slovenia's major trading partners.

In 2013, the trade between Slovenia and Czech Republic amounted to almost EUR 1.2 billion; which is an increase of 3.5% compared to 2012. Slovenian exports reached EUR 604 million, recording a 3.4% increase. Imports from Czech Republic increased by 3.7% and amounted to EUR 580 million.

Foreign direct investment data show that at the end of 2012, the cumulative Slovenian investment in Czech Republic amounted to EUR 3 million, while Czech investments in Slovenia reached EUR 69.4 million.

In this regard I would like to mention, that in 2012, the largest foreign direct investment in Slovenia was acquisition of Savatech by ČGS. We have already noticed and we welcome some further interest of Czech companies to invest in Slovenia (for example: Energo-pro signed a contract for the acquisition of Litostroj Power, Kofola submitted a bid for Radenska).

Given the traditionally good relations between the two countries, there is still ample room for further enhancement of economic and trade relations. We see potential to further strengthen bilateral trade, for example (but not exclusively) in the following sectors: automotive industry, information-communication technologies, electronics, environmental technologies, renewable energy, transport and logistics, food-processing industry and tourism.

Allow me to conclude by expressing my firm believe, that today's event will be a fruitful one and will uncover many positive ways to further deepen bilateral economic relationship.

I wish you all a pleasant stay in Slovenia and successful meetings with potential Slovenian business partners.

Thank you for your attention.