Minister Kajzer: Economic diplomacy is crucial for boosting competitiveness of Slovenian economy

Minister Kajzer speaking at the Slovenian Global Forum. | Author Klemen Golob

In his welcoming speeches at both events, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy in boosting the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy and supporting Slovenian businesses in external markets.

The first part of the consultations took place at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and was dedicated to current topics and challenges that economic advisers face in their work. Among the participants were economic advisers, diplomats and local staff at Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions abroad who specialise in internationalisation of the economy.

In his welcome address, Minister Kajzer underlined the crucial role of economic diplomacy in meeting Slovenia's strategic interests. "I wish to see proactive, pragmatic and credible diplomacy that prioritises Slovenia's interests. Slovenian government's priorities include national security, prosperity of Slovenian citizens and tangible results in the economy, science and society. Our goal is clear - to align diplomacy even more closely with the needs of the economy and science, to raise Slovenia's profile and to boost the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy," highlighted the Minister.

Prof. Dr Mojmir Mrak from the School of Economics and Business in Ljubljana outlined Slovenia's role in the European Union when it comes to enhancing economic security in times of political and economic changes. Mr Matej Skočir, Acting Director-General for Industry, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation at the Ministry of the Economy, Labour and Sport, introduced the new Slovenian Startup Strategy. Participants also discussed the energy sector, artificial intelligence, science diplomacy and space technology.

The consultations continued as part of the 2026 Slovenian Global Forum in Maribor, a national event in the field of internationalisation of the Slovenian economy. The forum was attended by a record number of economic advisers working in the Slovenian diplomatic network and covering 82 external markets. The participants were greeted by the Minister of the Economy, Labour and Sport, Dr Anže Logar, and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer.

In his opening address, Minister Kajzer emphasised the continued importance of economic diplomacy in creating concrete opportunities for Slovenian businesses abroad.

"Slovenia is a small country, but every day our entrepreneurs, researches, innovators and athletes prove that the size of a country does not limit its global ambitions. On the contrary, the greatest success comes from bravery, knowledge and diligence. This is why economic diplomacy is one of our priorities, as we wish to even more closely connect diplomacy with the needs of the economy and to see tangible results in external markets," said the Minister.

In the afternoon, economic advisers conducted B2B meetings with the business representatives. Being familiar with markets and the business world, the advisers shared valuable information on how to enter external markets. They also offered their support in arranging cooperation with 82 countries worldwide.