Slovak News Back to the news
Turk and Gasparovic Agree on Need to Boost Mutual Economic Potential
Monday 15 March 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Ljubljana, March 15 (TASR) - "Although mutual trade (between Slovakia and Slovenia) has dropped by 26 percent over the past year – mainly due to the global crisis – I'm convinced that this situation can be improved this year," Slovenian President Danilo Turk said during a meeting of Slovak and Slovenian presidential delegations held on Brdo castle in Slovenia on Monday.
Slovak-Slovenian relations are good, but nothing stands in the way of making them even better, particularly in the fields of commerce and trade, said Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic, who is on day two of a three-day visit to Slovenia. The entrance into Schengen Zone along with the introduction of euro has removed every last obstacle that prevented the development of open economic relations and direct businessman contacts. "Slovenia and Slovakia can also be a kind of example for other European countries in how to co-operate within the EU framework," emphasised Gasparovic.
"Slovakia and Slovenia both have great economic potential, and it's in our interest to link up these potentials together," said Turk.
Gasparovic views the ongoing crisis as a challenge. "This crisis can prove to be a great driving force for more intense co-operation (between the two countries), especially in the fields of infrastructure, tunnels and highway constructions, as well as in energy issues," said Gasparovic.
At the bilateral economic forum following the meeting, the Slovenian delegation has also suggested specific proposals. Slovenian businessmen want to offer a helping hand to Slovakia in an effort to break into markets of the West Balkans. On the other hand, Slovenia would like to participate in the expansion of Bratislava airport.
Gasparovic also wants to intensify tourism relations, as both countries have lots to offer tourists. According to him, the planned founding of the Slovak-Slovenian 'SLO-SLO Klub' might provide the right incentive to engage the business sector.
With its socio-economic results, Slovenia clearly belongs in the OECD and Slovakia will support its induction into the so-called club of rich nations, added Gasparovic.
All rights reserved. Any publishing or further dissemination of press releases and photographs from TASR's resources without TASR's prior written approval constitutes a violation of the Copyrights Act.
