"The impression is good," the minister told the STA over the phone about the first day of the visit, adding that businesses represented at the conference announced the intention to increase trade.

The conference was organised by the Slovenian Chamber of Agri-Food Companies and the Chinese chamber responsible for food imports and exports.

Židan described China as "one of the most promising food markets", saying it was aware even the food such as Slovenia's - whose food industry was deemed boutique due to its small size - should make it to the global market.

"They already have good experience with Slovenian wine sales in China, while they see further potential for Slovenian wine companies to secure even a bigger footing on the Chinese market," Židan said.

Opportunities are also arising for dairy exports as the Slovenian delegation is due to sign a protocol to that effect with China on Thursday.

Židan also mentioned opportunities for flour products, adding: "And once we have managed to reach agreement with the Chinese side also for meat and meat products."

He underscored that China was a demanding market and that a priority was to establish trust as a basis to increase exports. "We must work systemically, in the medium- and long-term."

The Slovenian delegation, which also includes officials from the ministries of economy and foreign affairs, also visited today the Chinese Academy Of Agricultural Sciences, learning about their gene bank.

They will be touring China until Sunday at the invitation of Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, who visited Slovenia almost a year ago with a 150-strong business delegation.

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the current trip, including a memorandum to set up a permanent coordination mechanism on forestry of the group of 16 Central and East European nations and China (16+1).

Židan says the accord would "enable Slovenia to expectedly take over coordination of the 16+1 group in the field next year".

Slovenian officials will also present investment opportunities in Slovenia with a catalogue of 100 investment opportunities adapted for the Chinese market drawn up for the occasion.