Matjaž Han, Slovenian Minister for the Economy, Tourism and Sport

World Expo 2027 certainly represents an exceptional opportunity for Slovenian contracting and service companies, especially in the areas of the sustainable development, infrastructure construction, tourism and event-related services, which can boost the volume of direct investments and further foster good economic cooperation between both countries

Commenting in this exclusive interview on economic cooperation between our two countries and the areas in which bilateral trade could be improved, Minister Han notes: “I would highlight the following areas, namely ecology, municipal and transport infrastructure, environmental protection, ICT, renewable energy, wastewater management and sustainable development. Those areas are all very important for future development. I also believe that both countries can further strengthen their economic cooperation in these areas.

Do you see the upcoming Expo2027 Serbia as an opportunity for the active participation of Slovenian companies; and how could it further economic cooperation between Serbia and Slovenia?

— We most certainly see this as an opportunity for the active participation of Slovenian companies. We particularly welcome Serbia’s plans to build the entire complex in a spirit of sustainability, ensuring that the exhibition venue will not only be for this one-off event, but will live on and develop beyond the expo. Furthermore, the specialised World Expo 2027 is certainly an exceptional opportunity for Slovenian contracting and service companies, especially in the areas of sustainable development, infrastructure construction, tourism and event-related services, which can boost the volume of direct investments and further foster good economic cooperation between our countries.

In which sectors do you believe economic cooperation between Serbia and Slovenia could be further enhanced, particularly in terms of investments?

— I would highlight the following areas, namely ecology, municipal and transport infrastructure, environmental protection, ICT, renewable energy, wastewater management and sustainable development.

The main interests of Serbian companies in Slovenia are represented by the fields of ICT, real estate and hospitality, while Slovenian companies in Serbia mostly focus on insurance, banking and industrial sectors

These are all areas that are very important for future development. And I believe our two countries can further strengthen their economic cooperation in these areas.

What are the main areas of interest for Serbian companies in Slovenia and vice versa, especially in the context of increasing bilateral trade and investment?

— According to data, the main interests of Serbian companies in Slovenia are represented by the fields of ICT, real estate and hospitality, while Slovenian companies in Serbia mostly focus on insurance, banking and industrial sectors, including automotive, machinery, chemicals, metals, food, furniture, textiles and pharmaceuticals.

Could you provide an overview of the current volume of bilateral trade between Slovenia and Serbia; how do you envisage its development in the coming years?

— Economic cooperation between our countries is traditionally good. Serbia was Slovenia’s 11th largest trade partner in 2023 and its 8th most important export market. The value of goods exported from Slovenia to Serbia in 2023 totalled 1,266 million euros, while goods imported from Serbia to Slovenia were worth 785 million euros. In total, the trade in goods in 2023 reached a value of 2,051 million euros.

As for future developments, particularly in light of measures to attract foreign investment to Serbia in strategically important sectors, which encompass a wide range of state aid and incentives, we estimate that, together with the reduction of inflation and the growth of private consumption, the volume of total trade in goods will increase even further in the future.