"These are two gems of the Slovenian economy... I must say I am genuinely fascinated at the vision and global breakthrough of these two companies," Cerar told reporters.

He emphasised that the two companies "bring jobs not only to Idrija and the local community but also broader Slovenia".

According to information on its website, automotive and industrial technology conglomerate Hidria employs more than 1,800 people in companies in Slovenia, Germany, Hungary and China.

It sells its products to 55 countries, most in Germany, Hungary, France, the UK, Italy, in Asian and American markets as well as Slovenia.

In November, Hidria estimated its net profit for 2016 at EUR 10m on EUR 216m in sales revenue.

Data from the Agency for Public Records (AJPES) for 2015, shows that the industrial concern Kolektor employed almost 3,000 staff and generated EUR 507m in operating revenue.

In Hidria, Cerar was briefed on the products, production processes and solutions the group supplies to the world's biggest automotive and industrial companies.

On the occasion, the company's management called on the government to reduce the tax wedge on highly-skilled staff who are at the core of its innovative breakthroughs.

The management of Kolektor briefed the prime minister on its major projects as well as its development from a small workshop to a commutator manufacturer and now a multinational with plants and offices in virtually all continents.

"The visit to Idrija and its business is the government's acknowledgement to the community that we are posting above-average results, have a low unemployment rate and have become global players in our market niches," said Stojan Petrič of Kolektor.