At the third Russian-Slovenian business meeting “Looking to the future: new opportunities for cooperation with Europe” held on 10 February 2017 in Moscow, were signed 14 business contracts between the representatives of Russia and Slovenia. Agreement between two countries open the companies markets of corresponding unions (EU and EEU), as well as cooperation possibilities with third regions: Iran, the Western Balkans and Central Asia.
Meeting of the business Council Russia-Slovenia, has been dated for visit to Russia of the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor. It was attended by the President of Slovenia himself, and by senior officials from both countries, including Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Karl Erjavec, Minister of Communications of Russia N. Nikiforov, President of the chamber of Commerce and industry (RF CCI) S. N. Katyrin and others.
The meeting titled “Looking to the future: new opportunities for cooperation with Europe” symbolized the long-standing friendship of the two Slavic countries, which persists in spite of any obstacles. The Slovenian side expressed support for cooperation with Russia and opposed to trade restrictions against it.
According to the President of Slovenia Borut Pahor, “In the near future advancement of relations of Western countries with Russia is not expected…”. Perhaps, he expressed the hope, in the future there will be development due to the policy of the new American President D. Trump. Therefore, “the purpose of the visit is to do everything possible to improve the business climate, cooperation of our countries in the economy, and then its expansion in science and other spheres”, – said the President.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia K. Erjavec said: “I absolutely do not support the policy of sanctions and I am convinced that this is not the way to get out of the crisis. I always welcome the dialogue.” “We decided – he said – that Russia is our priority”.
Head of the Department for foreign economic activity of the CCI of Slovenia Ante Milevoj said: “I welcome Russian investment in Slovenia”. In terms of attracting investments, the Slovenians are going to meet investors and are preparing to conclude the “Agreement on protection of investments”.
Slovenia is experiencing a 3% increase of the economy and 8% growth of innovation. The innovativeness of Slovenia will not only enable the population of the Russian Federation to join the high quality goods, but also to exchange technologies in the industry. This encourages joint research and educational activities. In particular, the University of Ljubljana, Innopolis and Moscow State University (MSU) agreed to exchange technology and educational programs.
Despite the fall in the volume of mutual trade between Russia and Slovenia, the trade turnover in weight remained the same. As for the turnover in dollars, then, according to N. Nikiforov, it made up in January-November 2016 about $879 million, while previously it was about $2’000 million. The Minister expressed the view that the countries will return to that point.
Contracts concluded on the meeting will definately help it:
- The company DUOL and the National Union of producers of fruits and vegetables agreed to cooperate;
- Company Riko agreed with the Governor of the Oryol region on investment in the region in the amount of €400 million, and for PSK “Mega-S” (Ossetia), the company will build a plant for deep processing of grain and production of feed and gluten;
- The company Iskratel and Rostelecom agreed on solutions in the field of telecommunications equipment;
- The company Bosio and machine-building concern “ORMETO-YuUMZ” agreed on the participation of Slovenes in the supply of replacement equipment for steelmaking;
- Gostol Gopan will put modern baking equipment for JSC “Russian food company and will modernize lines of the Tula bakery;
- Iskra Zascite has signed an agreement with OJSC “ELTEZA” (United Electrotechnical plants, a subsidiary of “Russian Railways”) on the transfer of technology of assembly of the devices of protection against pulse overvoltage;
- Post of Slovenia and Russian Post have agreed to cooperate in the improvement of international postal communication and in the development of e-Commerce;
On the next day, February 11 at Moscow State University was signed Memorandum on creation in the Republic of Slovenia of branch of the famous Moscow University.
Sources:
Chamber of Commerce of the Russian Federation, Abireg.ru, Elteza.ru, Ekburg.tv, MSU, Kommercant
