Dear readers of the web portal Slovenci.si (Slovenians.si),

After Slovenia had achieved the majority of its set goals regarding its establishment in the international arena, joined several international organizations and alliances, the main orientation of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and thus the Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on promoting the so-called "economic diplomacy" – providing an emphasized protection of Slovenian businesses and advocating the interests of Slovenian economy abroad. In order to achieve an efficient coordination of this operation, the field of economic diplomacy is currently being reorganized; as a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is becoming the main authority responsible for economic diplomacy and the co-ordinator of activities undertaken in this field.

As a part of a new assignment of competences and functions, consequently leading to the expansion of the Directorate for Economic Diplomacy which functions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, my task is to perform activities which will connect Slovenian businessmen and economic entities outside the borders of the Republic of Slovenia with the homeland.

 

As a representative of the Government’s Office for Slovenians Abroad I have been “lent” to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to carry out the above mentioned task; I have been appointed to this function due to my understanding and knowledge of the issues regarding Slovenian emigrants which is the topic I have been dealing with since 1990 either as a journalist, and researcher, or as a government offical. I returned from Cleveland six months ago where I worked as the Consul-General of the Republic of Slovenia.

 

In relation to economic entities outside Slovenia, I will co-operate with economic attachés posted at our diplomatic missions and consular posts, honorary consuls of the Republic of Slovenia (as a main organizer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am preparing the first consultative meeting for honorary consuls of the Republic of Slovenia from all over the world), representatives of Slovenian emigrant associations and organizations representing Slovenians in neighbouring countires, as well as business clubs (already established and yet to be established) of Slovenian businessmen who live and work abroad.

 

Inside Slovenia, I will co-operate closely with the Ministry of the Economy, with the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments (hereinafter: JAPTI), Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia, Slovenian Tourist Board, the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia, the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia, Slovenian emigrant organizations and others.

 

The section »Economy« presented on the web portal, generated by the Government's Office for Slovenians Abroad »Slovenci.si«, is therefore conceived in this context. You may find numerous links to economic entitites in Slovenia which will lead you to information about the Slovenian economy; the portal will help you feel the pulse of Slovenian business life, it will inform you about options you may have in regard to implementing concrete economic projects by co-operating with the motherland, and connect you to business representative offices and associations from all over the globe.

 

The page will try to inform you about the developments in the field of economic co-operation between Slovenia and Slovenian economic entities outside the borders of Slovenia; however, your help will also be needed in this regard.

Therefore, if you or your Slovenian association, business club, or enterprise possess news which you would like to share with us and the (web) world, please submit these pieces of information (together with some photos) to me as soon as possible using the following e-mail: zvone.zigon@gov.si, or, just in case, send a copy to the portal’s editor-in-chief, Polonca Flego: pr.urad.slovenci@gov.si.

 

I am keen on receiving your suggegtions regarding the operation of this specific area of economic diplomacy, and the co-operation with Slovenians working outside the borders of the Republic of Slovenia; I am also willing to forward any direct business interests you may have to “Slovenian” partners on this or the other side of the border.

 

I am looking forward to co-operating with you!

 

Zvone Žigon