Slovenia Travel Guide - Business

• GDP: US$39.4 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and food.
• Main imports: Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels and lubricants and food.
• Main trade partners: Germany, Italy, Austria, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Before the disintegration of Yugoslavia that began in 1991, Slovenia was its richest republic. GDP per capita is substantially higher than that of other transitional economies of central Europe. The tourism industry was damaged during the separation from Yugoslavia; it has since re-emerged strongly. 

Financial services are well developed, especially banking and insurance. Inflation has continued to decelerate, falling to 2.2% in 2005, while the economy grew moderately at 3.8% in 2005. Unemployment is estimated to be at around 10% (2005). 

Slovenia has joined the IMF, World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and became a full member of the World Trade Organization in 1995. Slovenia is the only former Yugoslav republic to have been integrated into the EU. The country joined the euro in 2007.

Smart dress is advised. Appointments are usual and visitors should be punctual. Business cards are essential. Executives will generally have a good knowledge of German, English and sometimes Italian. There is a well-developed network of local agents, advisers, consultants and lawyers willing to act for foreign companies.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.

Slovenia's tradition as a meeting place goes back to 1821, when it played host to the Congress of the Holy Alliance. The main conference locations are Bled, Ljubljana, Portoroz, Radenci and Rogaska Slatina.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
Dimičeva 13, 1504 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: (01) 589 8000.
Website: www.gzs.si

Cankarjev Dom (Culture and Congress Centre)
Prešernova 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: (01) 241 7100.
Website: www.cd-cc.si