Japanese companies are very interested in doing business with companies in Slovenia, including by investing, according to Naritaka Nakaishi, director-general of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) European office. Much depends on the business environment and the availability of high-end engineers.

"Slovenia is an advanced industrial country with efficient infrastructure and located as the strategic gateway to East Europe. Another reason is the abundance of English-speaking and highly skilled labour force," Nakashi told the STA at a recent Slovenia-Japan Forum in Ljubljana.

Compared to other countries in Central Europe, Slovenia's competitive advantage is also that it has high-value-added industries because of its close ties with Western European technology and markets. "It also has flexibility to adjust to international culture differences."

JETRO finds that Japanese investors in Slovenia are satisfied with the skilled labour force. "There is, however, a significant problem with the visa procedure for the expats from Japan. We often hear that they have problems to get or to extend their visa. It can take up to one year and during this period they are not allowed to go abroad, even in the EU. It makes their operation very difficult."

Many Japanese companies are looking for startups and innovative companies which have deep technologies and brand-new business models. JETRO has launched a platform called J-Bridge to promote collaboration between Japanese enterprises and innovative overseas companies. "We would like to advise such companies to use the platform," said Nakaishi.