Ningbo, 22 May (STA) - While trade between Slovenia and China is increasing annually, there is still a lot of potential to tap into, especially in high-tech, automotive industry, tourism and logistics, Slovenian and Chinese officials said as the China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair opened in Ningbo on Thursday.
Slovenia is a guest of honour at what is China's largest fair focusing on cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe.
At the same time, a business delegation under the auspices of the national SPIRIT agency and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) is accompanying Economy Ministry State Secretary Matjaž Frangež on his official visit to China.
Frangež said as the national pavilion opened that the official visit had been extremely successful exceeding the expectations.
Today's meeting with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji showed that China appreciated Slovenia's position, including its opposition to the tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports.
The countries share a number of views on international trade. "We both advocate rules-based international trade and we had a very frank discussion in this respect."
However, "we also asked for their help on some outstanding issues, which include the ramifications Slovenian companies feel when importing rare metals, key ingredients and minerals needed to electrify our mobility", said Frangež.
National Assembly Deputy President Meira Hot, who was a keynote speaker at the fair's opening, stressed the role of growing bilateral trade.
Since Slovenia's independence in 1991, China has become Slovenia's fourth largest trade partner. "Exchange is growing annually while the countries have still a lot of potential to increase it, including in new technologies," she said.
Zhang Ping, chairman of the Ningbo Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, highlighted the good bilateral relations throughout history.
"Slovenia and China cooperate in many areas and on many initiatives, which also reflects in economic cooperation. with many companies doing business with each other and trade increasing."
Zhang also highlighted the many opportunities for further cooperation, mentioning in particular the interest of companies in doing business with the port of Koper.
"China is keen to further increase its transshipment volumes to Central and Eastern European countries. The partnership between the ports of Ningbo and Koper is thus of great importance, as a large volume of Chinese goods is transshipped through Slovenia to these countries, as well as in the other direction."
As for Slovenia's promotion at its two pavilions, Frangež said that "at the national pavilion, we present the strengths of the country as a whole, with our nature, culture, art and as a global sporting powerhouse.
"In the commercial pavilion, 15 Slovenian companies are showcasing what we want to be known for in China -innovation, high technology, a strategic approach to the customer, a focus on as yet undiscovered solutions, including AI, quantum technologies and biotechnologies.
"At the same time, we want to build our image in China as the best possible entry point for Chinese investment in Europe," Frangež stressed at the pavilion's opening.
As part of the fair, which closes on Sunday, representatives of a number of Slovenian companies are visiting Ningbo under the auspices of SPIRIT and the GZS.
The business executives expect the fair to provide them with new contacts and an opportunity to get acquainted with some of the latest products and solutions.
