Slovenia Economy and Business

• GDP: US$ 59.49 billion (2008).
• 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.

Slovenia has always been a prosperous country, even before the disintegration of Yugoslavia that began in 1991. Its fertile land, strategic location and educated workforce have helped keep the GDP per capita substantially higher than that of other transitional economies of central Europe. It became the first 2004 entrant to the European Union to adopt the Euro. 

Since gaining independence, Slovenia was doing very well, with inflation steadily decelerating. The country, however, was affected by the 2008-2009 recession, seeing the economy contract for the first time in 15 years and unemployment is now estimated to be at around 6.7% (2009). All eyes are on this new EU member state to see how it copes, but economists predict with its stable economic history it will weather the storm well.

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