Počivalšek, who was okayed in a 11-4 vote, said in his presentation that he will look to support exporters and improve the business environment so that companies could create new jobs.

The 57-year-old chairman of spa operator Terme Olimia also wants to make Slovenia more attractive to foreign investors, and he is aware that this requires changes in several departments. Cooperation with other ministers will be needed here.

Answering questions from committee members, Počivalšek called against an increase in taxes levied on the economy and said that companies should be relieved of certain burdens, including related to taxes on labour.

He also touched on the drawing of EU funds, saying it was vital that public calls were clear and that Slovenia must decide what it wants to achieve with the help of these funds.

The ministerial candidate also underlined that the country must make better use of the potential provided by wood. He has several ideas on how to go about this, however, he did not want to discuss the details.

The National Assembly is expected to vote on the nominee at an extraordinary session scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

The post of minister of economic development and technology has been vacant since Jožef Petrovič quit on 17 October after barely a month on the job. Finance Minister Dušan Mramor is currently serving as stand-in minister.