Speaking to the press after meeting top officials of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS), the Manager Association and the Employers' Association, Bratušek said it was vital that the state help the economy.

Though she did not discuss specific measures, she announced the formation of a development council, a six- to eight-member team headed by the boss of industrial conglomerate Kolektor, tasked with advising the government.

Slovenia has been a success story before, and it can become one again given appropriate measures, she said.

GZS president Samo Hribar Milič said businesses were concerned about the current situation but still optimistic and confident that "Slovenia is in control and deciding on its destiny itself."

He told the government to address the credit and capital crunch and make the business environment more competitive.

Specific measures were not discussed, but Hribar Milič said the government and businesses "speak the same language" and both know what needs to be done.

Bratušek promised to unveil specific measures within weeks. In about six months the two sides will review implementation.

The head of the Manager Association, Sonja Šmuc, was hopeful that Slovenia has learnt enough in the past five years to allow the government to build on that experience.

"The prime minister promised they will work a lot, work hard and work fast. We hope they keep their word," she said.

Milan Lukić, the head of the Employers' Association, noted that there may be ideological differences between stakeholders in the economy, "but when it comes to the economy we think alike".