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The incredibly talented team, under the steady leadership of Igor Kokoškov, were welcomed by 20,000 people at Kongresni trg on a rain-soaked evening. It is not just our sporting teams who are talented, Slovenians are also making waves in the tech world. Slovenian start-up entrepreneurs have been getting lots of attention in the last couple of years, some of the home-grown young tech companies are raising millions of euros, disrupting traditional industries and doing business all around the world. The question must be asked however, is why cant this team unity and spirit of achievement spillover into the political arena?

Although not well-publicised, a referendum was held on the second rail track from the Port of Koper to Divaca. This ongoing saga has been debated for more than a decade and what seems to be forgotten, is that the second track is essential for Slovenia's competitiveness and future growth. Who had the bright idea to put this issue to a referendum and waste taxpayers money? The longer we have had an independent country, the less it seems that we are mature and competent, as politicians and citizens, for making strategic decisions in the environment of a democratic state.

Maybe we need to look to the business world and to other countries and follow their example. Dong Mingzhu, who will be visiting Slovenia for the 61st EOQ Conference in Bled from 11-12 October, shares the story of China's transformation and the slogan of Gree 'Made in China, Loved by the World'. Maybe we Slovenes still have some lessons to learn!

Truly yours,

Brane Krajnik, CEO