The delegation was primarily interested in investment opportunities in automotive, metal and food industries.

The delegation comprising some 60 business and local government officials is on a return visit to Slovenia after a Slovenian business delegation attended the China - CEEC Investment and Trade Expo fair in Ningbo in June.

"We can say that concrete talks were held between the Nova Gorica University and representatives of Chinese businesses. We would like to see the visit produce as much positive things as possible," said Brigita Habjan Štolfa of the Ajdovščina development agency.

Črtomir Špacapan of the regional development agency of northern Primorsko meanwhile presented to the guests regional projects which are looking for foreign investors.

The delegation, which started its five-day visit to Slovenia on Tuesday, also visited ultralight aircraft maker Pipistrel in Ajdovščina and the logistics centre on the Vrtojba border crossing.

Representing various industries, it will also visit the coastal city of Koper today, where the focus will be on cooperation with the port there.

On Thursday, a business and investment forum featuring Slovenian and Chinese executives will be held in Ljubljana, while the delegation will pay a visit to Maribor and Ptuj on Friday.

The visit is being organised by the SPIRIT entrepreneurship and foreign investment promotion agency in cooperation with the municipalities of Koper, Maribor and Ajdovščina, regional development agencies and the Chinese embassy.