The minister pointed out at the event, organised by the Chamber of Commerce (GZS) and the Berlin-based Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, that Slovenia exports around 70% of its production, 80% of which to the EU.

"Thus it is very important that Slovenian companies also forge ties with other countries such as China and with it also Hong Kong," Židan said, according to a ministry press release.

He explained that Slovenian exports to China have grown by 150% to EUR 318m since 2013, while imports have increased by 35% to EUR 728m.

"If we continue this way, we will quickly have balanced economic cooperation," added the minister, who also pointed to cooperation among the two countries' education institutions.

Before the ceremony, Židan also held a short meeting with Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office director Betty Ho, assessing that the systematic work with Hong Kong is producing good results.