Prepared by Tina Drolc, M.Sc.

On 1^st of April 2022, new president Dagmar von Bohnstein took over the leadership of the German-Slovene Chamber of Commerce and the Industry (AHK Slovenia). She came to Slovenia from Iran, where she worked as a delegate for German business and Managing Director of the German-Iranian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Iran). Upon her arrival in Slovenia, Dagmar von Bohnstein referred current challenges in Europe and the importance of strong international network and bilateral economic community to overcome them. She highlighted Slovenia's unique geographical position that offers great potential being located in the heart of Europe and geographically connects the West and the East of the European Union (EU). Slovenian companies are innovative, successful and sustainable, which are the best prerequisites for a close cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises and also with internationally established large German companies.

"The stronger and broader is the foundation of the German-Slovene business community, the more likely is to be heard - in Ljubljana, Berlin and Brussels."

"After four exciting and intensive years in the Middle East, I am looking forward to my activities in Europe. The stronger and broader is the foundation of the German-Slovene business community, the more likely is to be heard - in Ljubljana, Berlin and Brussels." In addition, Dagmar von Bohnstein highlights the current challenges in Europe that are no longer small and have a major impact on the economy: "Global supply chains are disrupted, energy supplies need to be rethought, travel remains restricted and international economic relations are disrupted."

The new AHK Slovenia President emphasizes the role of a strong community as the key to overcoming these challenges. The AHK Slovenia is part of the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), consisting of bilateral Chambers of Commerce Abroad, delegations and representative offices of German business, advises, supports and represents German companies worldwide. This network of 140 AHK locations and delegations, coordinated by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) in Berlin, supports German companies and opens the door to the German market to the companies in the host countries' economies. "It is important that we are a meeting point for businesses from both countries, because cooperation, trade and partnerships can only be developed, if both sides are familiar with each other. The central task of the AHK Slovenia is to clearly present the business potential of Slovenian companies for the German economy. In this field a lot has already happened, but all this can be further expanded and upgraded."

Professional career of the new president in the cities Brussels - New York - Tehran - Ljubljana

During her professional career, Dagmar von Bohnstein supported the interests of the Bavarian and German economy in Brussels as the headquarters of the European institutions, in New York - the US, one of the most important export markets for the German and European economies, and most recently in Tehran - Iran, where it drew attention to the great potential of this 83 million country for the German economy, while also supporting the AHK Iran member companies in their business relations with Germany.

"As the largest and strongest economy in the European Union, Germany has a great interest in innovative and creative companies in Slovenia."

Upon her arrival in Slovenia, Dagmar von Bohnstein pointed out that Germany, as the largest and strongest economy in the EU, has a great interest in innovative and creative companies in Slovenia. "Slovenia has a unique geographical position that offers great potential being located in the heart of Europe and geographically connects the West and the East of the European Union (EU). Slovenian companies are innovative, successful and sustainable, which are the best prerequisites for a close cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises and also with internationally established large German companies."