Slovenian car industry suppliers are increasingly eyeing opportunities in China. An event held in Ljubljana on 8 October aimed to present their qualities as well as Slovenia's geostrategic advantage to Chinese manufacturers, showing the government's willingness to help boost business.

Addressing the event, held as part of a conference of car industry suppliers, Economy Minister Matjaž Han pointed to opportunities Slovenia's industry can seize in the transition to a zero-carbon society.

Slovenia can be as confident as China since it has the know-how, experience and quality production, he said. However, in order to achieve appropriate levels of competitiveness there will have to be steps forward at EU level, he added.

Slovenia opposes extra import tariffs on Chinese EVs

The event also featured Chinese Ambassador to Slovenia Wang Shunqing, who agreed with Han that the two countries have a good relationship, which is a starting point for efforts to increase economic cooperation.

Hopeful that Slovenia and China will strengthen car industry cooperation, the ambassador said he appreciated Slovenia's decision to vote against additional tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles.

He is also happy that the European Commission has expressed willingness to negotiate this issue further. He hopes that Slovenia, as an EU member, will continue to play a constructive role in helping the EU to ensure the development of cooperation with China is stable and healthy.

According to him, the event showed that "interest for stronger cooperation from both sides is strong". Minister Han will go to China next month and he hopes "the visit will promote this cooperation further".

Stepped-up promotion activities on Chinese market

Slovenia is renowned in the automotive world for its outstanding innovation potential and the high quality and reliability of its products, which makes it one of the leading destinations for the development of advanced car technologies, said Rok Capl, director of the investment promotion agency Spirit Slovenija.

Stressing the role the agency plays in international networking efforts, he said: "Since China represents an important opportunity for Slovenian high-tech companies, this year the agency is particularly stepping up activities on this market.

"In September we successfully promoted Slovenia at the Chinese investment fair CIFIT in Xiamen, and in November we're organising a joint appearance of Slovenian companies at the biggest Chinese trade fair China International Import Expo and a delegation at the ministerial level during the trade fair."

The reliability of the Slovenian car industry was also stressed by Tanja Mohorič from the ACS Automotive Cluster of Slovenia. "We keep demonstrating that we are resilient and can adapt quickly," she said.

The joint presentation of Slovenian companies was followed by business-to-business meetings. Representatives of Chinese car manufacturers Nio, Jiangling Motors, Tam Motors and ATTC will also visit some of the Slovenian companies in the upcoming days.

The event was organised by Spirit Slovenija, the Economy Ministry, the ACS association, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.