The criteria for the markets picked was economic growth and preferable economic trends in general, as well as established political relations with the country, Economic Development and Technology Minister Radovan Žerjav, who chairs the council, said after the meeting.

Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec added that the countries picked also have great potential and interest in investing in Slovenia, meaning that they are strong enough financially to invest.

The strategy also specifies goals, which include boosting exports, increasing the number of Slovenian companies entering new markets and raising foreign direct investment to 33% of GDP.

The document also entails a new agency combining the activities of several bodies currently tasked with promoting Slovenia's economy abroad. The new agency, named Spirit, will also function as a partner for foreign investors and will help them with everything needed to conduct business in Slovenia, according to Žerjav.

Erjavec welcomed the document, saying the country had already established intergovernmental commissions with countries of interest; in November, Slovenia will host the commissions with Turkey and Russia.

The foreign minister moreover pointed out that one of the biggest problems faced by foreign investors is Slovenia's visa system. Erjavec said that the red tape involved is not the consequence of an EU regulation, as other EU members do not face such problems.

Erjavec and Žerjav are thus to talk to Interior Minister Vinko Gorenak about the matter.

The Strategic Council for Foreign Economic Cooperation was established on 25 April to coordinate the efforts of all players, aiming to help companies enter foreign markets and increase foreign direct investments in Slovenia.

Apart from the two ministers, the council also includes representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Craft and Small Business.