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Slovenia has set out a multi-track pitch at the China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo, showcasing high-tech and green mobility firms while pressing Beijing for smoother access to rare earths and speaking up for free international trade.
Trade between Slovenia and China has climbed steadily since the 1990s, yet officials from both countries say the curve could still be steeper, especially in advanced manufacturing, automotive electrification, tourism and logistics.
That sense of untapped potential dominated the opening day of China’s largest Central- and Eastern-Europe-focused trade fair on 22 May, where Slovenia is one of the guests of honour.
Trade, rare earths and logistics
Economy Ministry State Secretary Matjaž Frangež met with Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Ling Ji as the expo kicked off and said that China appreciated Slovenia’s positions, including its opposition to tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports.
The countries share a number of views on international trade, he said, and “we both advocate rules-based international trade and we had a very frank discussion in this respect.”
However, “we also asked for their help on some outstanding issues, which include the ramifications Slovenian companies feel when importing rare metals, key ingredients and minerals needed to electrify our mobility”, said Frangež.
Zhang Ping, chairman of the Ningbo Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, highlighted the good bilateral relations throughout history.
“Slovenia and China cooperate in many areas and on many initiatives, which also reflects in economic cooperation, with many companies doing business with each other and trade increasing.”
Zhang also highlighted the many opportunities for further cooperation, mentioning in particular the interest of companies in doing business with the port of Koper.
“China is keen to further increase its transshipment volumes to Central and Eastern European countries. The partnership between the ports of Ningbo and Koper is thus of great importance, as a large volume of Chinese goods is transshipped through Slovenia to these countries, as well as in the other direction.”
Company showcase
The country has a national and a commercial pavilion at what is the fourth China-CEEC Expo. The national pavilion focuses on general promotion of Slovenia’s tourism, culture and investment opportunities, while the commercial pavilion features 15 Slovenian companies including aircraft maker Pipistrel and sports equipment manufacturer Elan.
“At the national pavilion, we present the strengths of the country as a whole: our nature, culture and art, and Slovenia as a global sporting powerhouse. At the commercial pavilion, 15 Slovenian companies are showcasing what we want to be known for in China – innovation, high technology, a strategic approach to the customer, and a focus on as yet undiscovered solutions such as AI, quantum technologies and biotechnologies,” Frangež said.
“At the same time, we want to build our image in China as the best possible entry point for Chinese investment in Europe,” he stressed.
As part of the expo, which closes on 25 May, representatives of a number of Slovenian companies are visiting Ningbo and Shanghai under the auspices of the investment promotion agency Spirit and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS).
The business executives expect the expo to create new contacts and opportunities to get acquainted with cutting-edge products and solutions.
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