# ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="0.89375in" height="0.94375in"}  

# Slovene Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies

# INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2005. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.

-   [Chapter 1: Doing Business In ...](#ch1)

-   [Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment](#ch2)

-   [Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services](#ch3)

-   [Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment](#ch4)

-   [Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards](#ch5)

-   [Chapter 6: Investment Climate](#ch6)

-   [Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing](#ch7)

-   [Chapter 8: Business Travel](#ch8)

-   [Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade
    Events](#chapter-9-contacts-market-research-and-trade-events)

-   [Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services](#ch10)

[[]{#ch1 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 1: Doing Business In Slovenia

-   [Market Overview](#market-overview-return-to-top)

## Market Overview [**Return to top**](#ch1)

This Country Commercial Guide (CCG) presents a comprehensive analysis of
the Republic of Slovenia's commercial environment through economic,
political, and market analysis. The CCGs were established by
recommendation of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), a
multi-agency task force, to consolidate various reporting documents
prepared for the U.S. business community. CCGs are prepared annually at
U.S. embassies through the combined efforts of several U.S. government
agencies.

A small transition economy with a population of slightly under 2
million, the United States considers Slovenia an important model of
success and political stability for its neighbors in the former
Yugoslavia. Strategically located at the "gateway" to the Balkans,
Slovenia has been a star performer since its independence in 1991. It
has registered dramatic gains in per capita and aggregate wealth,
established a stable and well-functioning democracy, and raised the
standard of living for Slovenes to a level on par with the smaller
Western European economies. Slovenia joined the European Union in May
2004 and joined the euro zone on January 1, 2007.

Slovenia's success is in large part based on pre-existing conditions
that positioned the country extremely well for transition. These
included a highly educated population, sound infrastructure, and an
economy more oriented to the West than most transition countries. These
advantages allowed Slovenia to take a more gradual approach to change,
avoiding the social strife that much of Central and Eastern Europe
experienced during the 1990s. Today, however, Slovenia is faced with
growing challenges. Much of the economy remains in state hands and
foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia is one of the lowest in the
EU on a per capita basis. Taxes are relatively high, the labor market is
often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are showing signs of
increasing competitive pressures from China, India, and elsewhere. The
current, center-right government, elected in October 2004, has pledged
to accelerate privatization in a number of large state holdings and also
appears interested in increasing FDI in Slovenia. In late 2005, the
government's Committee for Economic Reforms, established in June 2005,
was elevated to cabinet-level status. The program of this office
includes plans for lowering the tax burden, privatizing state-controlled
firms, improving the flexibility of the labor market, and increasing the
efficiency (thereby lowering the cost) of the government. While it
remains to be seen what the results of these plans will ultimately be,
Slovenia appears to be moving in a positive direction in this regard.

The investment climate in Slovenia is a stable one, with excellent
infrastructure, a well-educated workforce, and an excellent, central
location. The overall level of foreign direct investment, however,
remains low. Slovenia has significant work to do to create an attractive
environment for both domestic and foreign investment, and to ensure
continued economic growth. Administrative, regulatory, and other public
sector reforms are necessary to further improve the investment climate
in Slovenia. Labor law and social benefit reforms, as well as judicial
reform to reduce court backlogs tops this list. We hope that the
economic reform plans announced by the government will have a positive
impact and serve as a stimulus to attract needed investment to Slovenia,
and help it compete more effectively for FDI funds with its Central and
Eastern European neighbors.

Slovenia also plays an active leadership role in the reconstruction of
the Balkan region as a donor of financial and technical aid through both
the Stability Pact and Southeast European Cooperation Initiative (SECI).
In addition, the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims
Assistance is headquartered in Slovenia and is active throughout
Southeastern Europe aiding mine-affected countries and building local
capacity to deal with the effects of landmines. Since 1998, the United
States has pledged over \$92 million in matching funds to the ITF for
mine action programs in Southeastern Europe. Slovenia also plays a
significant private sector role in the countries of the former
Yugoslavia as the leading investor in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and
Montenegro, and Macedonia, and exports from Slovenia to southeastern
Europe have grown rapidly in recent years.

More information on doing business in Slovenia is available at the U.S.
Embassy in Slovenia's website,
[http://slovenia.usembassy.gov](http://slovenia.usembassy.gov/) and
[www.buyusa.gov/slovenia/en](http://www.buyusa.gov/slovenia/en)*.* U.S.
exporters and investors seeking general export information/assistance
and country-specific commercial information should contact the U.S.
Department of Commerce, Trade Information Center by phone at
1-800-USA-TRAD(E) or by fax at (202) 482-4473.

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch2 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment

For background information on the political and economic environment of
the country, please click on the link below to the U.S. Department of
State Background Notes.

<http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3407.htm>

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch3 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services 

-   [Using an Agent or
    Distributor](#using-an-agent-or-distributor-return-to-top)

-   [Establishing an Office](#establishing-an-office-return-to-top)

-   [Franchising](#franchising-return-to-top)

-   [Direct Marketing](#direct-marketing-return-to-top)

-   [Joint Ventures/Licensing](#joint-ventureslicensing-return-to-top)

-   [Selling to the
    Government](#selling-to-the-government-return-to-top)

-   [Distribution and Sales
    Channels](#distribution-and-sales-channels-return-to-top)

-   [Selling
    Factors/Techniques](#selling-factorstechniques-return-to-top)

-   [Electronic Commerce](#electronic-commerce-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Promotion and
    Advertising](#trade-promotion-and-advertising-return-to-top)

-   [Pricing](#pricing-return-to-top)

-   [Sales Service/Customer
    Support](#sales-servicecustomer-support-return-to-top)

-   [Protecting Your Intellectual
    Property](#protecting-your-intellectual-property-return-to-top)

-   [Due Diligence](#due-diligence-return-to-top)

-   [Local Professional
    Services](#local-professional-services---need-for-a-local-attorney-return-to-top)

## Using an Agent or Distributor [**Return to top**](#ch3)

The use of a carefully selected local agent or distributor can be
cheaper and more efficient than direct sales by a U.S. exporter
unfamiliar with the Slovene market. Reliable and capable partners can be
found, but care should be exercised. The U.S. Embassy in Slovenia can
assist companies in screening potential Slovene partners. More
information on how the U.S. Embassy can help you identify potential
business partners can be found at <http://www.buyusa.gov/slovenia/en/> .

Due to a general lack of financial discipline, prompt payment to
suppliers are a common problem in Slovenia. Therefore, U.S. firms are
advised to obtain a confirmed irrevocable letter of credit as the basis
for conducting business with a new local partner. Dunn & Bradstreet's
agent in Slovenia "I d.o.o." ([www.idoo.si](http://www.idoo.si/), email:
<imojstri@idoo.si>, phone: +386-1-234-2940; fax: +386-1-234-2958) or the
Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (email: <infopika@gzs.si>, phone:
+386-1-5898-127; fax: +386-1-5898-100, attn: INFOLINK Office) may be
helpful in determining the creditworthiness of a potential local
partner.

The following are some well-known American companies with local
agent/distributor or representative offices: Goodyear, Merck, Sharp &
Dohme, Coca-Cola Amatil, UPS, IBM, Nike, DHL, Philip Morris, Oracle,
Hewlett Packard, 3M, Microsoft, Air Routing International, Pfizer,
Wrigley, Deloitte & Touche, Cisco, Chrysler, Ernst & Young, Johnson &
Johnson, Masterfoods, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Proctor & Gamble, Schering
Plough, Eli Lilly, and Compaq.

## Establishing an Office [**Return to top**](#ch3)

In conducting business in Slovenia, foreign companies have the same
rights, obligations, and responsibilities as domestic companies. When a
company is entered into the court registry, it becomes a Slovene legal
entity, regardless of the origin of capital. The principles of
commercial enterprise, free operation, and national treatment apply to
the operations of foreign as well as domestic companies. Basic rights
are guaranteed by the Companies Act and the Law on Foreign Transactions,
namely: the right to manage or participate in the management of
companies in proportion to invested funds; the right to transfer
contractual rights and obligations to other foreign and domestic natural
and legal persons; the right to participate in profits in proportion to
invested funds; the right to free transfer and reinvestment of profits;
and the right to recover investments in companies and their share in net
assets after the dissolution of companies.

Restrictions are, however, placed on foreign investments in certain
sectors of strategic or other special significance. Foreigners cannot
establish their own companies in the manufacture or sale of arms and
military equipment.

In Slovenia, foreigners may establish any legal organizational form
described in the Companies Act (limited-liability companies, joint-stock
companies, limited partnerships with share capital, limited
partnerships, general partnerships, and silent partnerships). All
companies acquire the status of a legal person upon their entry into the
court register. Prior to the entry into the court register, a number of
formalities must be performed. It is therefore beneficial to consult a
lawyer as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary difficulties that may
arise during the process of founding a company (from adopting the
memorandum and articles of association to their certification by a
notary public and entry into the court register). Foreigners may be
exclusive or part owners of companies.

More detailed information on the types of legal entities, as well as on
how to establish a company, can be found at
<http://www.investslovenia.org/> . For certain activities, such as road
transport, catering, and other professions, a certification is required.
A complete list of activities requiring a special permit or
certification is available at <http://www.pcmg.si/index.php?id=1825>

## Franchising [**Return to top**](#ch3)

McDonald's, American Express, and Diners\' Club are the best-known U.S.
franchises in Slovenia. Of a total of 16 McDonalds' restaurants in
Slovenia, McDonalds Corporation operates six, while the remaining ten
are under franchise. In addition, Subway Restaurants opened its first
franchised sandwich shop in Ljubljana in 2005.

## Direct Marketing [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Direct marketing is growing year by year in Slovenia. This growth,
however, has caused an increase in consumers' preference not to receive
this kind of advertising. The postal service has provided Slovene
residents with special stickers indicating, if positioned on the
mailbox, the individual's preference not to receive any direct marketing
mail. The sale of mailing lists of individuals is not common and
mail-order houses are rare. Amway is the only U.S. direct marketing
company with an office in Slovenia. Studio Moderna offers direct
marketing of U.S. products through infomercials on local television
stations in several countries in the region.

## Joint Ventures/Licensing [**Return to top**](#ch3)

In addition to establishing their own companies, foreigners can also
invest in existing companies. For private companies and
limited-liability companies, investments are allowed with the agreement
of the partners and by joining in the partnership agreement. Takeovers
of joint-stock companies are much more frequent and depend less on the
individual partners/shareholders as the shares are in the form of stocks
and are quoted on the Stock Exchange (shares of closed companies are an
exception).

Takeovers can be accomplished through mergers or acquisitions. The 1997
Law on Takeovers and the Companies Act regulate takeovers. This law
establishes conditions for the purchase of stocks/shares sold by
individual companies and issuers of stocks when specific legal or
natural persons acquire or wish to acquire a stake in company that gives
the buyer more than 25% of voting rights. Takeovers occur of both:
public companies with stocks quoted in the market and private companies
through direct offers to shareholders. If the company conducting a
takeover acquires a controlling interest in another company, it is
obliged to inform the issuer of shares, the Securities Market Agency
(SMA), and the Stock Exchange within seven days of the date that it
acquires a majority stake. The issuer, who has received such a notice,
must publish it within ten days in daily newspapers or on the premises
of the Stock Exchange (Official Gazette no. 47/97).

Both domestic and foreign legal and natural persons may freely conclude
all types of commercial contracts (agency contracts, distribution
contracts, license contracts, etc.). Slovene legislation does not
stipulate different administrative procedures for the performance of
individual foreign trade transactions or contracts. Contractual parties
in international legal transactions may select the law that will
regulate their mutual relationships and the court (arbitration tribunal)
of competent jurisdiction that will hear disputes.

## Selling to the Government [**Return to top**](#ch3)

The procedure used by state agencies and state controlled companies for
purchases is prescribed by the [Public Procurement
Act](http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200436&dhid=68908),
published in the Official Gazette no. 36/2004. The most often used form
of procurement is a public tender. In most cases foreign and domestic
bidders have the same rights. In public tenders funded by EU funds, the
requirement is usually EU origin of goods or services. However, US-owned
companies can qualify if they have a representative office somewhere in
EU. Slovenia is not a signatory to the WTO agreement on government
procurement (GPA).

## Distribution and Sales Channels [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Several distribution channels are open to U.S. goods on the Slovene
marketplace, including wholesaling and retailing, as well as
franchising, joint ventures, and licensing.

There are a large number of merchants, agents, intermediaries,
wholesalers, and retailers available in Slovenia. Since 1990, when the
transition to a market economy began, foreign trade has ceased to be the
exclusive domain of a few specialized companies. Today, any firm may
carry out both foreign and domestic trade.

## Selling Factors/Techniques [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Operating hours of most businesses in Slovenia are Monday through Friday
from 8am to 4pm, and the majority of retail stores close by 7 or 8pm,
with a few staying open until 9pm. Most stores are open on Saturday
mornings and several shopping centers are open all day on Saturdays.
Larger grocery stores and larger shopping centers are opened until 3pm
on Sundays.

Many Slovenian consumers prefer to pay in monthly installments, even for
lower cost goods. Other factors/technologies critical to success are
close and frequent contact with buyers, motivated and trained
intermediaries, and aggressive market promotion.

## Electronic Commerce [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Even though there are quite a few online stores available, buying online
and paying with credit cards is not very common in Slovenia.

## Trade Promotion and Advertising [**Return to top**](#ch3)

All the normal channels for advertising are available and are widely
used in Slovenia, including newspapers, internet banners, magazines,
television, radio, and outdoor billboards/signs. Other promotional
techniques commonly employed are sales promotions, public relations, and
trade fairs. Slovenia's major newspapers are
[*Delo*](http://www.delo.si/), [*Dnevnik*](http://www.dnevnik.si/),
[*Slovenske Novice*](http://www.slovenskenovice.si/), and
[*Vecer*](http://www.vecer.si/). Newspapers and magazines are also most
commonly used for printed as well as internet based advertising (on
their webpages). The major business journals are
[*Finance*](http://www.finance-on.net/), *Manager*, *Podjetnik*, and
[*Slovenian Business Report*](http://www.sbr.si/). The major television
stations are *Radio Televizija Slovenia* (network), and *POP TV*. The
major "out-of-home" advertiser is *Proreklam* *Europlakat* (billboards,
bus stations, city lights, etc.)

## Pricing [**Return to top**](#ch3)

The price level in Slovenia is relatively high due to the high cost of
labor and lack of competition in certain sectors. The market generally
determines prices. The price of gasoline, however, is set through a
pricing model, which adjusts to world prices every two weeks. The
government also controls the prices of oil, electricity, natural gas,
railway transport, and some other products. The government may also
influence the pricing policies of companies under its direct or indirect
control.

## Sales Service/Customer Support [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Sales service, after sale services, and customer support are relatively
poorly developed as marketing tools in Slovenia.

## Protecting Your Intellectual Property [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Slovenia has a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of
intellectual property rights. Slovenia signed the WTO Uruguay Round
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPs) and has implemented those commitments. The number of
intellectual property complaints has been quite low, although U.S.
industry representatives have raised some concerns about the pace and
scope of action taken by the government against infringement.

Industrial property rights (patents, designs, trademarks and service
marks, and appellations of origin) are protected in Slovenia through
registration at the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO)
(website: <http://www.uil-sipo.si/GLAVAGB.htm>, email:
<info@uil-sipo.si>, phone: +386-1-478-3154; fax: +386-1-478-3110). A
list of Slovenian patent agents is available from the Patent Office of
the SIPO (<http://www.uil-sipo.si/GLAVAGB.htm>).

Slovenia is a party to the following intellectual property agreements:

-   Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property
    Organization;

-   Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights;

-   Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property;

-   Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks;

-   Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods
    and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks;

-   Locarno Agreement Establishing an International Classification for
    Industrial Designs;

-   Hague Agreement Concerning the International Deposit of Industrial
    Design;

-   Patent Cooperation Treaty;

-   Bern Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works;

-   Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of
    Phonograms and Broadcast Organizations;

-   1973 Geneva Phonograms Convention; and

-   Brussels Convention Related to the Distribution of Program-Carrying
    Signals Transmitted by Satellite.

In the event of an Intellectual Property Right infringement, U.S.
companies are advised to hire a local attorney who can then pursue the
matter in local commercial court.

## Due Diligence [**Return to top**](#ch3)

The following firms operating in Ljubljana can assist in performing the
important task of due diligence on potential Slovenian partners:

I Poslovne informacije d.o.o. (Dunn & Bradstreet's agent in Slovenia)

Zrinjskega cesta 4

1000 Ljubljana

Tel: +386-1-234-29-40

Fax: +386-1-234-29-58

Web: <http://www.idoo.si/>

Email: <imojstri@idoo.si>

Creditreform d.o.o.

Linhartova cesta 7

1000 Ljubljana

Tel: +386-1-438-16-71

Fax: +386-1-438-16-70

Web: [www.creditreform.si](http://www.creditreform.si/)

Email: <info@creditreform.si>

Coface Intercredit d.o.o.

Cankarjeva cesta 3

1000 Ljubljana

Tel: +386-1-425-90-65

Fax: +386-1-425-91-30

Web:[www.cofaceintercredit.si/](http://www.cofaceintercredit.si/)

Email: <office@coface.si>

## Local Professional Services - Need for a Local Attorney [**Return to top**](#ch3)

Slovenia does not recognize U.S. legal accreditation, and regulations
regarding licenses to practice in-country are restrictive. Some Slovene
law firms conduct business in English and are familiar with U.S. law.
The U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana can provide a list of English-speaking law
firms.

[[]{#ch4 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment 

-   [Overview](#overview-return-to-top)

**Commercial Sectors**

-   [Health Care Equipment (MED)](#health-care-equipment-med)

-   [Environmental Equipment (ENV)](#environmental-equipment-env)

-   [Electrical Power Systems (ELP) and
    Energy](#electrical-power-systems-elp-and-energy)

-   [Computer Hardware and Software](#computer-hardware-and-software)

-   [Information Technology](#_Information_Technology)

-   [Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector &
    Biotechnology](#_Chemical_and_Pharmaceutical)

-   [Automobile Sector](#_Automobile_sector)

-   [Logistics and Distribution](#logistics-and-distribution)

-   [Machine Treatment of Metals and
    Metalworking](#machine-treatment-of-metals-and-metalworking)

-   [Electronics](#electronics)

-   [Food Processing](#food-processing)

-   [Agricultural Sector](#agricultural-sector)

## Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Slovenia\'s legacy of worker self-management continues to be felt in the
economy. A high degree of decentralization and a tendency to discourage
the flow of resources from declining firms to growing ones has led to
large gaps between top and bottom performers in all sectors. These
performance disparities are likely to disappear as the privatization
process continues and resources are allocated more efficiently among
sectors. For the time being, however, it is difficult to identify
specific sectors where growth is likely to be concentrated. Given cost
factors, viable businesses of the future are likely to have the
following characteristics: moderate to low reliance on manual labor
input; moderate to low use of real estate; and \"environmentally
friendly\" undertakings.

## Health Care Equipment (MED)

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Slovenia's health care equipment market is dominated by imports because
there is limited domestic production. In 2004, the approximate market
size was \$150 million. Imports to Slovenia mainly come from Germany,
Italy, Austria, the United States and Switzerland. The market has seen
some growth over the last ten years, but the real potential lies ahead.
The vast majority of equipment in public hospitals is outdated, and is
expensive to maintain. The government has announced plans to restructure
the healthcare sector, most likely through public-private partnerships,
and there will likely be increased demand for innovative instruments and
equipment.

The Ministry of Health is the main player in the Slovenian medical
equipment market. The Ministry develops health policies, proposes the
health care budget and the investment program for the sector, and
monitors the work of state-owned health institutions. Due to fiscal
problems with the national health account, the Ministry was forced to
check purchasing programs and decided to centralize hospital tenders.
These new measures have begun to show some results, mainly with
increased transparency of public procurement. Dental services are mainly
in private hands.

The Slovenian market is very price-sensitive. Institutions are, however
prepared to pay well for state-of-the-art equipment.

## Environmental Equipment (ENV)

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Slovenia's environmental legislation is harmonized with that of the
European Union and its latest directives. Although waste and pollution
control mechanisms in Slovenia have improved over the last five years,
Slovenia has to intensify activity for better environmental protection.
The major concerns in Slovenia are: insufficient level of treatment and
coverage for municipal and industrial wastewater; uncontrolled dumping
of solid and hazardous wastes; lack of proper disposal sites; lack of
recycling facilities and incinerators; control of air pollution
emissions in industrial areas. Increase of hazardous waste is of
particular concern. In July 2002, Slovenia ratified the Kyoto protocol,
according to which Slovenia has to reduce greenhouse gases by 8% between
2008 through 2012.

Industry in Slovenia produces 873 kilograms of waste per capita
annually. Industry also contributes to 90% of the country's air
emissions. Slovenia has only two incinerators and 10 active industrial
waste dumps. A few of them will have to be closed in the next two years
and two will operate only until 2008, because they are not able to meet
the minimum environmental criteria. Slovenia currently exports a
significant share of its waste, but plans to build new dumps in the
coming years.

Environmental indicators for Slovenia show that Slovenia's main efforts
will have to be made regarding wastewater, nitrogen oxides (NO~x~)
emissions, greenhouse emissions, and solid waste. Slovenia's objective
through 2010 is to decrease emissions of SO~2~ from 71 thousand tons
down to 27 thousand tons, NO~X~ from 60 thousand tons to 45 thousand
tons, HOS from 48 thousand tons to 40, and NH~3~ to 20 thousand tons.

Local municipalities have increased shares in their budgets for
environmental projects from 4.19% in 2002 to 5.76% in 2004. The
Ecological Development Fund contributed \$21 million for environmental
infrastructure projects in municipalities in 2004 and an additional \$18
million for the industry projects. Slovenia's national budget plans to
allocate \$280 million for all environmental-related projects in 2007
and \$304 million in 2008.

## Electrical Power Systems (ELP) and Energy

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The government's vision for the energy sector through 2015, as outlined
in its Strategy of Electrical Energy Production, envisions heavy
investments in the next ten years. Increased hydroelectric power
generation is one of the strategic objectives of the government's energy
policy. Further upgrading of the upper stations on the Sava River is
planned as well as construction of a chain of six new plants on the
lower Sava. Construction of the first two plants began in 2004; a
construction permit for the third one was obtained in November 2005.
While final documents for the fourth are going to be prepared in 2006,
construction of the remaining two plants is foreseen in the period
between 2008 and 2014. The upgrading of three plants on the Drava River
will be completed by 2010. Feasibility studies are underway for
additional small run-of-river and storage plants and for the
exploitation of other renewable energy sources. Together with the new
plants, these renovations will create an additional 470 MW of
hydroelectric capacity by 2015.

Plans for conventional thermal power (i.e. coal-fired) generation are
based on maintaining production at existing plant locations and building
facilities at new sites, primarily for combined heat and power
generation. Investments will be required to improve pollution controls
to meet environmental standards, to increase rapid response and peaking
capacity, and for renovation of control systems at existing plants.
Construction of a new production block with a 500 MW capacity at Thermal
Plant Sostanj is planned for 2008 and should begin operation in 2011.
The government also foresees construction of two oil-fired facilities,
including a 60 MW unit in Sostanj. A second oil-fired plant in
Brestanica with a capacity of 143 MW is scheduled for completion by
2011.

Investment plans through 2015 in the transmission and distribution
system include the modernization of national dispatching and local
distribution control centers, the renovation of the transmission grid,
better control of reactive power in the system, and the completion and
renovation of the east-west 400 kV transmission lines with a connection
to Hungary and a 400 kV substation. Lack of financial resources has
already postponed these priority investment projects for a number of
years.

In the past few years, plans have been made to build three wind-operated
power plants in the Primorska region, where the Bura wind could produce
significant quantities of electrical power. All three plants would
consist of 150 wind powered turbines. None of them have been constructed
yet as they are still in the process of gaining all necessary approvals
(mainly environmental) for the project.

The government of Slovenia owns an 80% stake in Holding Slovenske
Elektrarne (HSE), the major electricity producer in Slovenia. The
government has indicated an interest in a partial privatization of HSE
and its associated distribution companies in the coming years.

### Quick facts about the ENERGY sector: [**Return to top**](#ch4)

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Number of Companies:              | 130                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Number of people employed in      | 12,619                            |
| sector                            |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Revenues                          | 4.4 billion Euros                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Import items:                     | -   Brown coal and lignin,        |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   oil derivatives,              |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   liquid gas,                   |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   natural gas,                  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   electricity                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

### Best Prospects/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   trade (wholesale) with fuels and lubricants

-   trade (retail) with motor fuels

-   distribution of electricity, gas, heat, and hot water

-   mining

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Oil : • Petrol, d.d. (www.petrol.si)

> • OMV Slovenija (www.omv.si)

Gas: • Geoplin, d.o.o. (www.geoplin.si)

Electricity: • Holding Slovenske Elektrarne, d.o.o. (www.hse.si)

> • Eles, d.o.o. (www.eles.si)

## Computer Hardware and Software

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The software market in Slovenia is estimated to be approximately US
\$200 million per year. Some 80% of Slovenian demand is met by imports
and is dominated by U.S. vendors. The most promising sub sectors are
business software (for financial institutions or financial packages for
companies), CAD/CAM applications, and entertainment software.

Imports and exports of hardware are very liberal. Top vendors have
strong subsidiaries in Slovenia or have built good relations with
existing domestic computer companies. Because of the strength of the
U.S. IT industry, American companies or their distributors win many
major IT contracts. The Slovenian market for computers and peripherals
is approximately \$380 million per year, with U.S.-based multinationals
controlling more than 70% of the market share. Demand is expected to
continue to grow at a steady pace in the coming years.

## Information Technology 

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                1,380

  Number of people employed in sector 13,000

  Revenues                            2 billion Euros

  Export                              329 million Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Best Prospects/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   planning and implementation of communicating networks

-   e-banking

-   software systems for back-up files

-   IT Solutions

-   logistics

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Machinery

• AGB LAB ( www.agblab.com )

• Insilica ( www.insilica.si )

Telecommunication

• Iskra Transmission ( www.iskratr.si )

• Iskratel ( www.iskratel.si )

• Mobitel ( www.mobitel.si )

• Si.Mobil ( www.simobil.si )

• Telekom Slovenije ( www.telekom.si )

IT Solutions

• Actual I.T. ( www.actual-it.si )

• Halkom ( www.halcom.si )

• Hermes SoftLab ( www.hermes-softlab.com )

• S&T Hermes Plus ( www.hermes-plus.si/ )

• Špica ( www.spica.com )

## Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector and Biotechnology

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                620

  Number of people employed in sector 25,000

  Revenues                            3.2 billion Euros

  Export                              2.2 billion Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Best Products/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   base chemicals

-   pesticides and agrochemicals

-   paints, lacquers, and glazes

-   pharmaceuticals and soaps

-   products for cleaning and scents

-   other chemical products

-   artificial fibers

-   rubber and plastics

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

• Belinka ( www.belinka.si )

• Bia Separations ( www.biaseparations.com )

• Cinkarna Celje ( www.cinkarna.si )

• Helios ( www.helios.si )

• Institut Jožef Stefan ( www.ijs.si )

• Krka ( www.krka.si )

• Lek ( www.lek.si )

• Sava ( www.sava.si )

## Automobile sector

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                90

  Number of people employed in sector 13,000

  Revenues                            950 million Euros

  Export                              800 million Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Best Products/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   cars

-   seats and spare parts for seats

-   spare parts and interior materials

-   automobile parts

-   spare parts for braking systems

-   moving parts for engines

-   steering systems and parts for them

-   manufacturing of tools for automobile industry

-   research and development in the sector

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

• Adria Mobil ( www.adria-mobil.si )

• Slovenski avtomobilski grozd -- ACS ( www.acs-giz.si )

• Akrapovič ( www.akrapovic-ai.si )

• Cimos ( www.cimos.si )

• Hidria ( www.hidria.si )

• Iskra Avtoelektrika ( www.iskra-ae.com )

• Kolektor ( www.kolektor.si )

• Prevent ( www.prevent.si )

• Revoz ( www.revoz.si )

• TCG Unitech ( www.unitech.at )

• TPV ( www.tpv.si )

• Unior Zreče ( www.unior.si )

## Logistics and Distribution

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                1,100

  Number of people employed in sector 17,200

  Revenues                            1 billion Euros

  Export                              556 million Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Best Products/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   cargo shipping

-   ship cargo transport

-   storing of goods

-   maritime and inland logistics

-   services at terminals

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

• BTC, d.d.( www.btc.si )

• Eurotek ( www.eurotek.si )

• Intereuropa ( www.intereuropa.si )

• Aerodrom Ljubljana ( www.lju-airport.si )

• Luka Koper ( www.luka-kp.si )

• Slovenske železnice ( www.slo-zeleznice.si )

• Viator Vektor ( www.viator-vektor.com )

## Machine Treatment of Metals and Metalworking 

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                1,850

  Number of people employed in sector 46,000

  Revenues                            3.9 billion Euros

  Export                              2.9 billion Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Best Products/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   cars

-   metal parts (frames, built-in elements, ...)

-   metal casts,

-   other metal parts

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

• EMO Orodjarna ( www.emo-orodjarna.si )

• Gorenje Orodjarna ( www.gorenje-orodjarna.si )

• Kovinoplastika Lož ( www.kovinoplastika.si )

• Litostroj Ei ( www.litostroj-ei.si )

• Lama ( www.lama.si )

• Metal ( www.sz-metal.si )

• Sistemska tehnika ( www.st-ravne.si )

• Trimo ( www.trimo.si )

• Unior ( www.unior.si )

## Electronics

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                760

  Number of people employed in sector 36,000

  Revenues                            2.8 billion Euros

  Export                              2 billion Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Best Products/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   electrical motors and machines

-   household appliances

-   telecommunication equipment

-   electronic measuring (scaling) systems

-   medical and optical equipment

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

• Danfoss ( www.danfoss-trata.si )

• Domel ( www.domel.si )

• Eti Izlake ( www.eti.si )

• Gorenje ( www.gorenje.com )

• Hidria ( www.hidria.si )

• Iskratel ( www.iskratel.si )

• Iskra Avtoelektrika ( www.iskra-ae.com )

• Kolektor ( www.kolektor.si )

• Ydria Motors ( www.ydria-motors.si )

## Food Processing

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Number of Companies:                424

  Number of people employed in sector 18,140

  Revenues                            1.8 billion Euros

  Export                              300.5 million Euros
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

### Sector Breakup [**Return to top**](#ch4)

By sales

-   processed meat products (24%)

-   milk products (15%)

-   baked products - bread and pastries (13%)

By exports

-   non-alcohol and alcohol beverages, vinegar (22%)

-   milk products, eggs, honey (14%)

-   meat (9%)

-   meat products (13%)

-   wheat, cereals (6%)

-   sugar, sugar products (5%)

### Leading Companies in Sector [**Return to top**](#ch4)

• milk products:

-- Ljubljanske mlekarne, d.d. (www.lj-mlek.si/)

-- Mlekarna Celeia, d.o.o. (www.mlekarna-celeia.si)

-- Pomurske mlekarne, d.d. (www.pomurske-mlekarne.si)

• meat, meat products:

-- Perutnina Ptuj, d.d. (www.perutnina.si)

-- MIP, d.d. (www.mip.si)

-- Kras, d.d. (www.kras.si)

-- Jata Emona, d.d. ([www.jata-emona.si](http://www.jata-emona.si/))

-- Droga Kolinska, d.d.
([www.drogakolinska.si](http://www.drogakolinska.si/))

• non-alcohol, alcohol beverages, vinegar:

-- Pivovarna Laško, d.d. (www.pivo-lasko.si)

-- Pivovarna Union, d.d. (www.pivo-union.si)

-- Fructal, d.d. (www.fructal.si)

• wheat, cereals:

-- Žito, d.d. (www.zito.si)

• sugar, sugar products

-- TSO, d.d. (www.spletomat.com/tso/)

## Agricultural Sector 

## Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

According to the Statistical Office there are 77,000 agricultural
holdings in Slovenia that perform agricultural activities. Average
agricultural holdings use 6.3 hectares (ha) of agricultural area and
breeds 5.5 livestock units. An agricultural census (using EU standards)
from 2000 showed that in Slovenia for family farms in Slovenia,
medium-sized holdings predominated, with the largest percentage (27.3%)
owning 5-10 hectares of land. The census also showed that, within the
category of non-family enterprises, almost half were holdings with over
20 hectares of land. The statistical office suggests there is total of
over 500 thousand hectares of agricultural land; over 40% of this land
is covered by forest.

In Slovenia, the most important crops are maize for grain (production is
nearly 300,000 tons/year), sugar beet (around 280,000 tons/year), wheat,
potatoes, and fruits (each around 150,000 tons/year). The largest
production is for animal feed. Over one million tons of maize and other
types of fodder are grown annually.

The highest toll of the 2006 summer drought was paid by silage corn,
which was 20% lower that the year before. Maize for grain was a bit over
8% lower and wheat crop was 6% lower than in 2005.

While the number of people employed in the agriculture sector decreased
by 15% from 2000, it has been steady for the past two years.

#### 

### Best Market Prospects for U.S. Exports to Slovenia [**Return to top**](#ch4)

U.S. food products that should benefit from lower tariffs due to
Slovenia's EU Accession and have the best sales potential include edible
dried beans, cocoa, dried fruits, fruit juices, pet foods, wines and
whiskey.

U.S. exports of agricultural, fish and forest products to Slovenia have
fluctuated widely over the past several years. Moreover, most official
statistics understate actual U.S. exports, as they do not account for
products transshipped through other EU countries.

### Eco Farming [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The Slovene Ministry of Agriculture supports the fledgling ecological or
organic farming industry in Slovenia, particularly as it relates to
agricultural tourism.

### Coexistence and Biotech [**Return to top**](#ch4)

According to the EU legislation, none of the EU member states can ban
biotech products or prohibit biotech farming within their borders. In
Slovenia, there are currently no biotech crops being farmed, due to lack
of proper coexistence legislation. A draft of the coexistence law is in
pubic debate until the end of March 2007. After that time, they will
amend it appropriately and send it to the parliament for official
procedure. Due to the relatively high production of corn in Slovenia,
adoption of coexistence legislation would present an attractive market
opportunity for biotech seed and plants. Nevertheless, it is important
to be aware of the relatively high consumer resistance to biotechnology
and its negative connotation, often promoted by various environmental
NGOs.

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch5)

U.S. Department of Agriculture -- Austria and Central European Region:

<http://www.usembassy.at/en/usda/>

For more information regarding Agricultural policy, projects and
legislation development, please visit the Slovene Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Food at

<http://www.mkgp.gov.si/index.php?id=576&L=1>

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch5 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards

-   [Import Tariffs](#import-tariffs-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Barriers](#trade-barriers-return-to-top)

-   [Import Requirements and
    Documentation](#import-requirements-and-documentation-return-to-top)

-   [U.S. Export Controls](#u.s.-export-controls-return-to-top)

-   [Temporary Entry](#temporary-entry-return-to-top)

-   [Labeling and Marking
    Requirements](#labeling-and-marking-requirements-return-to-top)

-   [Prohibited and Restricted
    Imports](#prohibited-and-restricted-imports-return-to-top)

-   [Customs Regulations and Contact
    Information](#customs-regulations-and-contact-information-return-to-top)

-   [Standards](#standards-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Agreements](#trade-agreements-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top-1)

## Import Tariffs [**Return to top**](#ch5)

When Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, it adopted the EU's customs
legislation. Even though EU regulation provides an overall legal
foundation, some parts of the customs regulations are country specific.
Hence, Slovenia adapted some parts of the EU regulations to national
legislation.

The basic legal framework of the Customs System in the Republic of
Slovenia is provided by: Customs Law \[together with implementing acts
(applied January 1st, 1999 and compliant with the EC Customs Code) (OG
RS 1-3/95)\], Customs Service Law, and Customs Tariff Law (OG RS 66/00).

Further information on Slovenian customs legislation can be found at:

<http://www.carina.gov.si/en/informacije_za_ciljne_skupine/businesses/>

Import levies are payable upon the importation of most agricultural and
food products. Levies are not charged if the agricultural or food
product is exempt from duties pursuant to the Customs Law.

The primary basis for customs valuation is ad valorem on the transaction
value of the goods, (i.e., the price paid or the price that is to be
paid for the goods to be imported), including all duties and taxes paid
outside Slovenia. For more than 95% of imports, customs value is
established on the basis of transaction value. Besides customs duties
paid according to rates provided by the Customs Tariff or preferential
agreements, imports are also liable for VAT payment.

Brochure on customs in new EU countries:

<http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/resources/documents/enlarg_transition_en2.pdf>

More on EU customs: <http://europa.eu.int/scadplus/leg/en/s28000.htm>

#### Excise Duties

Additional duties, i.e. excise duties, are required for certain type of
product groups. The excise duty rates applicable in the Member States of
the European Union are contained in three separate information documents
found on the website:

[http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxation/gen_info/tax_policy/index_en.htm](http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxation/excise_duties/gen_overview/index_en.htm)

-   Part I on [**alcoholic
    beverages**](http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/taxation/excise_duties/alcoholic_beverages/rates/index_en.htm)\
    (click on the link or use URL:
    <http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/resources/documents/excise_duties-part_I_alcohol-en.pdf>
    )

-   Part II on [**energy products and
    electricity**](http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/taxation/excise_duties/energy_products/rates/index_en.htm)\
    (click on the link or use URL:
    <http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/resources/documents/excise_duties-part_II_energy_products-en.pdf>
    )

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Part III on [**manufactured
    tobacco**](http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/taxation/excise_duties/tobacco_products/rates/index_en.htm)

> (click on the link of use URL:
> <http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/resources/documents/excise_duties-part_III_tobacco-en.pdf>
> )

## Trade Barriers [**Return to top**](#ch5)

-   **Customs**

> While EU entrance eliminated customs for products/services originating
> within the EU, customs still apply to products from elsewhere. The
> basis on which import duties are determined can be found at:
>
> <http://www.carina.gov.si/en/informacije_za_ciljne_skupine/businesses/>

-   **Excise Duties**

> Imports of alcoholic beverages, wines, and tobacco products are
> subject to excise duties.

-   **Labeling**

> According to EU directives, certain product groups (cosmetics,
> clothing, shoes, auto parts, and foodstuffs) sold in Slovenia must be
> labeled in Slovene. The declaration on the products must include
> information about the product's content, origin, manufacturer,
> importer, for foodstuffs a "best before end" date, and directions for
> use. For all products requiring user manual or instructions for use
> and warranty, these documents must be translated into Slovene. For
> more information on labeling also see [Labeling and Marking
> Requirements](#_Labeling_and_Marking) below.

-   **Quotas**

> There are currently no quota restrictions for imports from the U.S.

-   **Costs pertaining to WEEE**

> EU Directive
> [2002/96/EC](http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_037/l_03720030213en00240038.pdf)
> dictates that all EU member states have the obligation to collect and
> recycle electronic and electrical waste. This environmental directive
> is based on the theory that providers of electronic and electrical
> equipment (manufacturers, distributors, and importers/exporters) must
> ensure that equipment will not burden the environment after the end of
> its useful life.
>
> Electrical and electronic equipment is divided into 10 classes:

-   Large household appliances,

-   Small household appliances,

-   IT and telecommunication equipment

-   Consumer electronics

-   Lighting equipment

-   Electronic and electric tools

-   Toys, sport and recreational equipment

-   Medical equipment

-   Instruments for monitoring and control

-   Machines (vending, gaming, etc.)

> In January 2006, the operational and financial responsibility fell on
> the companies that produce the type of equipment listed above. From
> that date on, in order to avoid fines and penalties, manufacturers,
> distributors, and importers, must sign appropriate contracts with
> collection and recycling companies for the processing of electronic
> waste.
>
> For more details on the WEEE approval process in Slovenia, please
> visit <http://www.buyusa.gov/slovenia/en/weee_si.html>. For news
> pertaining to WEEE, please see
> <http://www.buyusa.gov/slovenia/en/weeenews.html>.

## Import Requirements and Documentation [**Return to top**](#ch5)

The majority of imports are free from quantitative restrictions. Import
quotas restrict a few categories of goods, and in some sectors
importation is restricted by permits or licenses:

-   Textiles and textile products are imported through a quota system
    (except for imports from WTO countries, effective January 2005);

-   Import licenses are required from the competent ministry for the
    import of drugs and some chemicals, waste products and raw
    materials, articles of cultural heritage, gold, waste and scrap of
    precious metals and coins, nuclear reactors and weapons; and

-   A quality certificate is required for the import of some animals,
    meat and vegetables, and other food products.

## U.S. Export Controls [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Most technology can be exported from the U.S. to Slovenia under general
export licenses. Some equipment still requires validated export licenses
from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security and/or
the Department of State. For further information on U.S. export
controls, please see the following website:
[http://www.bis.doc.gov](http://www.bis.doc.gov/)

## Temporary Entry [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Slovenia is a signatory to the ATA Convention on Temporary Imports and
Exports.

**More information on ATA:** *The purpose of the Convention on temporary
admission is to simplify procedures on temporary imports of certain
kinds of goods (professional equipment, goods for exhibitions, etc.).
The ATA Carnet is a customs document to perform temporary importation
and temporary exportation and it also serves as a transit document for
transit of goods to the country of temporary importation. The ATA System
Guarantee Association in Slovenia is the [Chamber of Commerce of
Slovenia](http://www.gzs.si/), which is also authorized to issue ATA
Carnets.*

Products may be imported into Slovenia on a temporary basis and be
exempt from customs duties in various cases, of which the most important
are the following:

-   Goods to be released into free circulation exempt from customs duty
    under the Customs Act;

-   Goods temporarily imported for exhibitions or testing, if the
    foreign owner has made them available free of charge and for a
    specific period of time;

-   Animals, instruments, and other items which are required for
    artistic, sports, or other events and the production of motion
    pictures;

-   Packaging materials, freight, and security equipment, etc. required
    for the delivery or dispatch of foreign-owned goods;

-   Equipment for governmental and non-governmental international or
    bilateral organizations, or international or bilateral commissions,
    with seat in the customs territory, or having representative office
    with a seat in the customs territory;

-   Equipment required to avert imminent danger of epidemics, elementary
    or other natural disasters, or to mitigate the immediate
    consequences of such disasters;

-   Yachts, sailing ships, and other sea vessels with accessory floating
    moorings and anchoring equipment, if they are used for sport and
    tourism (under the conditions:\
    - that they are temporarily imported by companies or individual
    entrepreneurs registered for the rental of foreign yachts, sailing
    ships, and other sea vessels\
    - contracts concluded with foreign sport clubs and their
    associations permit them to rent the sea vessels to foreign
    tourists, members of these clubs, and their associations for use in
    Slovenia);

-   Household items temporarily imported by domestic and foreign natural
    persons entering Slovenia for a temporary sojourn; and

-   Equipment that is temporarily imported by permanent correspondents
    or editorial offices of foreign media registered in the customs
    territory.

The time limit for temporary imports is based on the purpose for which
goods are temporarily imported, but may not exceed a period of 12
months. Partial exemption from payment of customs duty may be granted
for the temporary import of goods not mentioned above, if they remain
the property of foreign persons. The amount of duty to be paid for
temporary imports of goods with a partial exemption from customs duty is
3% of the duty that would have to be paid for these goods if they were
released for free circulation.

## Labeling and Marking Requirements [**Return to top**](#ch5)

The following labeling information must be in Slovene on the original
package of products subject to quality control:

-   Title of the product

-   Full address of the manufacturer

-   Full address of the importer

-   Net quantity/weight/volume

-   Information, where applicable, regarding ingredients

-   Use and storage instructions

-   Other warnings important for the customer.

Technically complicated products must also include instructions for use,
the manufacturer's specifications, a list of authorized maintenance
offices, a warranty, and other applicable data. All this information
must be in Slovene and attached to each product before reaching
customers.

## Prohibited and Restricted Imports [**Return to top**](#ch5)

As long as appropriate permits are obtained for certain goods (such as
pharmaceuticals, military equipment, etc.), there are no specific
prohibitions on the import of legal products.

## Customs Regulations and Contact Information [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Address: The Customs Administration of the Republic of Slovenia

> Šmartinska 55, 1523 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Telephone: +386-1-478-38-00

Fax: +386-1-478-39-00

Toll free +386 2222 1122

<http://www.carina.gov.si/en/contact_us/>

Email: <carina@gov.si>

Web: <http://www.carina.gov.si/en/>

## Standards [**Return to top**](#ch5)

-   [Overview](#overview-return-to-top-13)

-   [Standards Organizations](#standards-organizations-return-to-top)

###  Overview [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

The Standardization Act provides a new approach to determining the legal
nature of standards and technical regulations. According to this Act, a
standard does not become a binding requirement unless so designated by a
competent ministry; thus, standards are optional/voluntary. Since
Slovenia is part of the EU, it recognizes all EU and international
standards.

Goods and services imported for sale in Slovenia must comply with
prescribed standards and technical regulations and be certified by an
authorized institution, if it is so prescribed by the appropriate
ministry. The Slovenian Standards Institute will answer all questions
pertaining to standards (Email: <info@sist.si>). Where there is no
authorized institution for certification, the Standards and Metrology
Institute of the Republic of Slovenia will issue a certificate.
Certificates issued abroad are valid in Slovenia if the issuing
authority and the local issuing institution have a mutual recognition
agreement. Health, veterinary, phytosanitary, or ecological control is
obligatory for some types of products such as foodstuffs and animals.

Technical instructions, a written guarantee statement, and, if
necessary, instructions for use, must be enclosed with technical goods
and consumer durables imported into Slovenia. In addition, the importer
must guarantee the servicing of products and supply of spare parts. A
declaration consisting of the name and type of product, name of
manufacturer and other prescribed data should be affixed to the product.
The documents and the declaration must be written in Slovene.

If a contract with a foreign person, regulations of a foreign country,
or a bilateral or international agreement requires that goods (to be
exported or imported) be shipped with documents certified by a competent
authority, the Chamber of Economy of Slovenia or an authorized customs
organization is the competent authority. If the regulations of the
country in which the documents are to be used stipulate that the
documents have to be issued by a state body, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs is the competent issuing authority in the Republic of Slovenia.

###  Standards Organizations [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Information on particular Slovene standards and certification
requirements can be obtained from the Slovenian Standards and
Metrorology Institute (phone: +386-1-478 3013; fax: +386-1-478 3094)
webpage [www.sist.si/index.htm](http://www.sist.si/index.htm), email
<info@sist.si>. The institute is responsible for national standards
(technical as well as quality standards).

#### NIST Notify U.S. Service

> Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required
> under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to
> report to the WTO all proposed technical regulations that could affect
> trade with other Member countries. **Notify U.S.** is a free,
> web-based e-mail subscription service that offers an opportunity to
> review and comment on proposed foreign technical regulations that can
> affect your access to international markets. Register online at
> Internet URL:
> [http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/](http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/%0D)

## Trade Agreements [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Slovenia has been a member of WTO since 1995
(<http://www.wto.org/English/thewto_e/countries_e/slovenia_e.htm>)

List of bilateral agreements between the Republic of Slovenia and the
Government of United States of America:

Agreement on Investment Incentives.

Signed in Washington, on 04.26.1994

Convention on International civil Aviation

Signed in Chicago, on 12.07.1944

Statute of the International Monetary Fund

Signed in Washington, on 01.01.1945

Statute of the International Financial Corporation

Signed in Washington, on 04.11.1955

Statute of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Signed in Washington, on 12.27.1945

Accord on Transit in the International Air Space

(Accord relative au Transit des Services Aeriens Internationaux)

Signed in Chicago, on 12.07.1944

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch5)

More resources are available at <http://www.poslovniportal.si/>

The portal offers up-to-date information pertaining to legal and
regulatory framework in Slovenia.

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch6 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 6: Investment Climate

-   [Openness to Foreign
    Investment](#openness-to-foreign-investment-return-to-top)

-   [Conversion and Transfer
    Policies](#conversion-and-transfer-policies-return-to-top)

-   [Expropriation and
    Compensation](#expropriation-and-compensation-return-to-top)

-   [Dispute Settlement](#thirtyfour)

-   [Performance Requirements and
    Incentives](#performance-requirements-and-incentives-return-to-top)

-   [Right to Private Ownership and
    Establishment](#right-to-private-ownership-and-establishment-return-to-top)

-   [Protection of Property
    Rights](#protection-of-property-rights-return-to-top)

-   [Transparency of Regulatory
    System](#transparency-of-regulatory-system-return-to-top)

-   [Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio
    Investment](#efficient-capital-markets-and-portfolio-investment-return-to-top)

-   [Political Violence](#political-violence-return-to-top)

-   [Corruption](#corruption-return-to-top)

-   [Bilateral Investment
    Agreements](#bilateral-investment-agreements-return-to-top)

-   [OPIC and Other Investment Insurance
    Programs](#opic-and-other-investment-insurance-programs-return-to-top)

-   [Labor](#labor-return-to-top)

-   [Foreign-Trade Zones/Free
    Ports](#foreign-trade-zonesfree-ports-return-to-top)

-   [Foreign Direct Investment
    Statistics](#foreign-direct-investment-statistics-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top-2)

## Openness to Foreign Investment [**Return to top**](#ch6)

A European Union member since May 1^st^, 2004 and a eurozone member as
of January 1, 2007, Slovenia has a strong mix of qualities to recommend
it as an investment location. With excellent infrastructure, a major
port on the Adriatic Sea and a highly educated work force, Slovenia can
be an attractive place for the investor to access the markets of Central
and Southeastern Europe. In addition, the center-right government,
inaugurated in 2004, adopted a 5-year program to encourage foreign
direct investment (FDI) in the high-tech and services sectors. In August
2005, the government published a Cost Sharing Grant Scheme, which
invites investors initiating ventures of more than €1 million to
negotiate an investment bonus package with the government. In September
2006 the Government published public tender inviting bids for two-thirds
of Slovenian Steel Works. In October 2006, the government listed shares
of the national telecom company on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.

The overall volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia is one
of the lowest in the EU. At the end of 2005, Slovenia's cumulative FDI
reached approximately €5.6 billion (\$7.1 billion)[^1]. FDI has slowed
since 2002 largely because the former Government of Slovenia (GOS)
shelved the planned privatization of state-owned companies. The current
government, however, has recently launched a package of economic reform
proposals, which include plans for reduced involvement of the government
in the private sector. In 2006, six government committees worked on
privatization plans in important, state-controlled industries including
telecommunications, banking, insurance, energy, and steel. However, the
government stepped back from making radical reforms and implementing
immediate privatization, which resulted in the resignation of the two
chairs of the reform group. Currently, the government plans to privatize
steel and telecommunications first, with privatization of the energy
sectors many years away.

Despite the stated commitment by the government to improve the situation
for foreign investors, a number of practical impediments to increased
FDI persist:

(i) the legal framework regulating corporate activities is incomplete,
    with continued administrative barriers to business;

(ii) securing land and business premises, especially for industrial use,
     remains difficult;

(iii) the failure to begin a comprehensive restructuring process has
      prevented recently privatized companies from searching for foreign
      strategic partners, although there are some major development
      projects being planned which could result in the creation of new
      industrial parks;

(iv) Slovenia's ambivalent attitude toward FDI continues to create
     uncertainty for potential investors;

(v) the GOS has yet to implement an aggressive FDI policy; and

(vi) a rigid labor force.

The government, with its economic reform proposals, has committed to
making Slovenia more competitive and addressing these long-standing
barriers to investment.

Slovenia welcomes foreign direct investment that does not have a
negative impact on the environment. Slovenia particularly welcomes those
investments that create jobs in the high-tech sector and have links to R
and D activities, for which special tax incentives are available.
Slovenia is a high-tax country but, in January 2007, the government
introduced tax cuts that will significantly reduce business costs. The
payroll tax will be eliminated by 2008, and the corporate tax rate will
gradually decline from 25% in 2006 to 20% by 2009.

There are no formal sectoral or geographic restrictions to foreign
investment. In some regions, Slovenia offers special facilities and
services to foreign investors. Slovenia offers financial and tax
incentives within EU parameters to firms undertaking projects in
economically depressed and underdeveloped areas.

Slovenia has a tremendous opportunity to leverage its key assets in
order to expand the domestic economy and compete successfully for FDI
with other Central European countries. However, without swift
implementation of reforms and solid commitment by the GOS to make
Slovenia as attractive as its Hungarian, Slovak and Czech neighbors, FDI
will not increase.

### FDI Promotion Scheme

The current GOS supports an FDI Promotion Program, originally adopted by
the previous government in 2001. The program aims to make the most of
Slovenia\'s comparative advantages, specifically: 1) geographical
location in the heart of Europe with good communication and transport
infrastructure; 2) relatively well-developed and technologically
advanced industry; 3) well-educated labor force; 4) the relative
openness of its economy; and 5) political and economic stability. The
program also seeks to overcome the main weaknesses of Slovenia's current
policies related to FDI. Foreign companies report these weaknesses to
be: the Government's passivity in promoting FDI, the inaccessibility of
building sites for conducting business activities, the lack of financial
incentives for greenfield investors, and the low mobility of the labor
force. While the program has yet to produce any significant successes,
the current government is currently developing privatization programs
for industries in which the government has a stake.

### Financial Incentives

Companies investing (or considering investing) in Slovenia may be
eligible for financial assistance in the form of grants from the
Slovenian Public Investment Promotion Agency (JAPTI). Information and
application forms are available from JAPTI or on their website
[www.investslovenia.org](http://www.investslovenia.org/). Incentives
will be provided for projects that create at least 100 new jobs. This
requirement is reduced to 50 new jobs in less developed regions and to
10 new jobs if the investment is in the field of R&D. The Government
also provides free training and retraining employment grants to
employers who intend to hire unemployed persons.

### Local Incentives

Municipalities offer different forms of incentives, which may be
negotiated on a case-by-case basis. These incentives may include, but
are not limited to, easy access to industrial sites, utility connections
and local tax holidays.

### FDI inflows 2006-2007

Despite plans for privatization in the energy, banking, and
telecommunications sectors dating from 2001, little has been
accomplished to date. Partial privatization of the banking sector began
in early 2002, but has stalled. The current ruling coalition (elected in
October 2004) has repeatedly affirmed its interest in selling
state-owned stakes in businesses. Its original plan to have detailed
privatization plans completed by March 2006 has yet to be realized. As
of December 2006, the only public tender has been in the steel sector. A
privatization plan for Nova Ljubljanska Banka is expected by February
2007.

Despite the challenges listed herein, the GOS expects that FDI inflows
will increase in the near to medium term, as more foreign investors look
to Slovenia to establish a regional presence or to strengthen their
position in the area. FDI is expected to increase from the following
sources:

\(i\) Acquisitions of already privatized companies;

\(ii\) Privatization of state-owned assets;

\(iii\) Expansion of foreign-owned companies. (Historically, this has
been the largest source of new jobs in the manufacturing sector);

\(iv\) Privatization funds and other state-run funds will continue to
consolidate their portfolios as a way to increase liquidity; and

\(v\) Greenfield investments.

## Conversion and Transfer Policies [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Since September 1, 1995, Slovenia has adhered to Article VIII of the IMF
Article of Agreement, thus committing itself to full current account
convertibility and the full repatriation of dividends. In practice, to
repatriate profits, joint stock companies must provide the following:
evidence of the settlement of tax liabilities; notarized evidence of
distribution of profits to shareholders; and proof of joint stock
company membership (Article of Association). All other companies need to
provide evidence of the settlement of tax liabilities and the company\'s
act of establishment.

For the repatriation of shares in a domestic company, the company must
submit its act of establishment, a contract on share withdrawal, and
evidence of the settlement of tax liabilities to the authorized bank.

## Expropriation and Compensation [**Return to top**](#ch6)

[]{#thirtyfour .anchor}According to Article 69 of Slovenia's
Constitution, the right to possession of immobile property can be taken
away or limited, with compensation in kind or financial compensation
under conditions determined by law on the basis of public interest.

There are no current expropriation-related investment disputes in
Slovenia. National law gives adequate protection to all investments.

However, there is an ongoing dispute over property expropriated by the
socialist Yugoslav government after World War II. The 1991
Denationalization Act allowed for claims to be submitted for recovery of
such property. Of a total 39,606 denationalization claims submitted, 498
were filed by U.S. citizens. None of these U.S. citizen claimants were
U.S. citizens at the time the property was expropriated. All U.S.
citizen claimants are either individuals who acquired U.S. citizenship
subsequent to their property being expropriated, or the heirs of
individuals whose property was seized when the owners were not U.S.
citizens. Of these claims, 381, or 77%, had been resolved as of June 30,
2006.

## Dispute Settlement [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Slovenia is a signatory to the 1958 New York Convention on Recognition
of Foreign Arbitral Awards and the 1961 European Convention on
International Commercial Arbitration.

### Legal System

Slovenia has a well-developed, structured legal system. It is based on a
five-tier (district, regional, appeals, supreme, and administrative)
court system. These courts deal with a vast array of legal cases
including criminal, domestic relations, land disputes, contracts, and
other business-related issues and probate. A separate social and labor
court with regional, appeals, and supreme courts, deals strictly with
labor disputes, pensions, and other social welfare claims. Similar to
most European countries, Slovenia also has a Constitutional Court that
hears complaints alleging violations of human rights and personal
freedoms, expresses its opinions on the constitutionality of
international agreements and state statutes, and deals with other high
profile political issues. In keeping with European legal standards, in
1997 the Slovene Parliament established an administrative court to
handle disputes among local authorities, between state and local
authorities, and between local authorities and executors of public
authority.

The Parliament passed a law on Legal Proceedings in July 1999 to speed
up court proceedings. The law stipulates a stricter and more efficient
procedure for serving court documents and providing evidence. For
commercial cases, defendants are now required to file their defense
within 15 days of receiving notice of a claim. Despite the efforts to
improve the effectiveness of the Slovene court system, the court
backlogs at all levels are still significant and cases can drag on for
years. Slovenia has received warnings from the EU on this matter several
times. Because the problem is a major concern of the public as well, in
February 2006, the current government introduced a program to cut the
backlogs. The program targets a 50% decrease in open cases and a
significant cut in the time courts have to solve an open case. Over the
next five years, the program will cut the average processing time of a
case from 18 months to 6 months. In order to accomplish this, the
Ministry of Justice has started creating a better working environment in
courts, funding additional staff, changing remuneration of judges and
administrative staff, and improving IT tools used in the judicial
sector. To further reduce backlog, the government threw out all
misdemeanor cases filed prior to December 2005.

### Arbitration

Unless parties have agreed to binding arbitration for disputes, the
regional court specializing in economic issues has jurisdiction over
business disputes. However, the parties may agree in writing to settle
disputes in another court of jurisdiction.

The parties may also exclude the court as the adjudicator of the dispute
if they agree in writing that contractual disputes be solved by
arbitration, whether ad hoc or institutional. In the former case, the
applicable procedure and law must be determined. In the case of
institutional arbitration, the type of arbitration must be clearly
defined. The Permanent Court of Arbitration within the Chamber of
Economy is an independent institution that solves domestic and
international disputes arising out of business transactions among
companies.

The procedure before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Chamber
of Economy of Slovenia is governed by the Regulations on the Procedure
before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Chamber of Economy of
Slovenia. Arbitration rulings are final and subject to execution.

### Bankruptcy

Competition is keen in Slovenia and bankruptcies are an established and
reliable means of working out firms\' financial difficulties.

Slovene law provides three procedural methods for handling bankrupt
debtors. The first, Compulsory Settlements, allows the insolvent debtor
to submit a plan for financial reorganization with the Court. The
Compulsory Settlement Plan is then voted upon by the creditors and must
be accepted by those creditors whose claims represent more than 60% of
the total claimed. If the settlement is accepted, the debtor is excused
from the obligation to pay the creditor the amount that exceeds the
percentage of payment set forth in the confirmed settlement. The payment
terms are then extended in accordance with the conditions of forced
settlement. Confirmed compulsory settlement affects creditors who have
voted against compulsory settlement and creditors who have not reported
their claims in the settlement procedure.

The creditor or debtor may also initiate bankruptcy procedures. The
court names a bankruptcy administrator who sells the debtor's property
according to the bankruptcy senate president\'s instructions and
supervision. As a rule, the debtor's property is sold by public auction.
Otherwise, the creditors' committee may prescribe a different mode of
sale such as collecting offers or placing conditions for potential
buyers. The legal effect of completed bankruptcy is the termination of
the debtor's legal status to conduct business, and the distribution of
funds created from the sale of assets to creditors according to their
share of total debt.

The third method, bankruptcy as forced liquidation, is distinguished
from voluntary liquidation (without court intervention) as set forth in
the Law on Commercial Companies. Forced liquidation is imposed on a
debtor, for whom the law determines the liquidation procedure and the
legal conditions for ending his existence as a business entity. This
would occur, for example, if the management does not operate for more
than twelve months, if the court finds the registration void, or by
court order.

## Performance Requirements and Incentives [**Return to top**](#ch6)

No performance requirements are imposed as a condition for establishing,
maintaining, or expanding an investment. There are some incentives
offered to potential investors through the "FDI Incentive Scheme." The
Inward Investment Cost-Sharing Grant Scheme will co-fund investments in
industry, strategic services, or research and development that will
result in as least 10 -- 50 new jobs. More information and application
forms can be found at www.investslovenia.org. On the other hand, the
rigid procedures necessary to acquire work permits serve as an
impediment for foreign investors. It can take two to three months to
obtain a work permit. The Ministry of Labor has established a fast-track
procedure for foreigners who are registered in the court registry as
authorized persons or representatives of companies, managers of branch
offices, and for foreigners who are temporarily sent to work in
organizational units for foreign legal persons registered in Slovenia.
More info on work permits and employment services at
<http://www.ess.gov.si/eng/Introduction/Introduction.htm>.

## Right to Private Ownership and Establishment [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Private enterprise and ownership are promoted and protected in Slovenia,
both by statute and the Constitution. Slovenia's laws on foreign
investment are fully harmonized with EU legislation. As provided for in
the Law on Commercial Companies, all business activities within Slovenia
are open to domestic and foreign natural and legal persons who may
establish wholly or partially owned companies in any legal form provided
by the Commercial Companies Act (Limited, General, and Silent
Partnerships; Joint Stock Companies, Limited Liability Companies, and
Partnerships Limited by Shares; and Economic Interest Groups). Foreign
investors may freely invest in Slovene companies in most industries
except in banking and insurance industries, where a permit from the Bank
of Slovenia or Insurance Supervision Agency is needed. Furthermore,
current regulations limit the foreign ownership stake in gaming
interests to 20%. Foreign investors are permitted to obtain concessions
for the exploitation of renewable and non-renewable natural and public
goods. In addition, foreign and domestic investors have the same
reporting requirements to the Bank of Slovenia.

There are also some restrictions on foreign investment in the field of
military supply. For example, direct investments made by non-residents
in companies or other entities that are engaged in the production of, or
trade in, weaponry and military equipment are allowed only if
specifically authorized by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

Any company registered in Slovenia is granted the status of a Slovenian
legal entity under which they enjoy national treatment. Foreign
investors are subject to the same legal treatment as domestic companies
and enjoy the same rights and obligations. The registration process is
rather simple and usually takes between three weeks and one month to
complete. Registered foreign-owned companies may also become members of
the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.

Foreign-owned companies are entitled to own property in Slovenia. All
citizens and enterprises of the European Union or the U.S. have the same
purchase rights and rights of use of land and natural resources as
citizens and domestic enterprises. If a foreign citizen or legal person
from a third (i.e., non-EU) country decides to establish a company in
Slovenia, this company is considered a Slovenian legal person and as
such can buy, own and sell real estate. However, while the law provides
for these rights, some foreign companies have experienced unexplainable
delays in obtaining land even after all the necessary paperwork is in
order.

Foreign shareholders are entitled to free and unrestricted transfer of
their profits abroad in foreign currency, providing that they meet their
tax obligations. The 23% corporate tax rate in Slovenia applies to
domestic and foreign companies and is among the lowest rates in Europe.
The government announced further reduction of the corporate rate to 20%
in the next two years.

Credits and guarantees between residents and non-residents are regulated
by the Foreign Exchange Act. The law differentiates between commercial
and financial credits. Commercial credits are those credits relating to
trade and rendering international services that involve a resident as
one of the contracting parties. Commercial credits include contractual
trade credits (deferred payments and/or advances) and their financing by
banks. Factoring operations are also considered to be commercial
credits, on the condition that the underlying operations from which the
claims arise have the nature of commercial credits. All other operations
are considered to be financial credits, including mortgage-backed and
consumer loans as well as financial leasing operations.

All credit transactions, except commercial credits with payment delay or
prepayments less than 12 months, must be in written form and contain all
obligatory parts of the credit business. Authorized banks undertake
credit operations with non-residents for their own accounts and in their
own name or in their own name and for someone else\'s account as his
proxy. Residents other than banks undertake credit operations with
non-residents for their own accounts and in their own name. Residents
must report all credit operations with non-residents to the Bank of
Slovenia within 10 days of signing the loan contract.

Larger banks in Slovenia also have specialized International Desks,
which offer bank services to foreign companies and persons.

The 1999 Law on Banking allows foreign banks to establish branch offices
in Slovenia. Since 1999, local borrowers have faced no restriction
regarding borrowing from abroad, which was strictly regulated before the
new legislation. Once Slovenia joined the EU, its banking regulation was
entirely harmonized with the banking regulation of the EU.

As of June 2001, all restrictions on portfolio investments by foreigners
in Slovenia have been abolished and the purchase of foreign equities by
Slovenes has been fully liberalized.

## Protection of Property Rights [**Return to top**](#ch6)

### Mortgages

There is no law, statute, or regulation that specifically deals with
mortgage banking services in Slovenia. However, the Government has
committed itself to creating a mortgage banking system to include
property assessments and deeds that will replace the current Land
Registry system. Currently there are no special mortgage banks in
Slovenia. Accordingly, only a few Slovenian banks offer mortgage loans
per se. Nevertheless, banks provide loans that are secured by mortgages.
They are frequently granted to corporate clients and entrepreneurs as
well as to the private individuals.

In order for mortgages to be effective against any owner of real estate,
the mortgage must be registered in the Land Registry Book at the Land
Registry Office. The Land Registry Book was introduced within the
present territory of Slovenia in the 19th century and serves to inform
the general public of the owner of land, buildings, and parts of
buildings. Within the legal system, the Land Registry Book is connected
in part with substantive civil law, which regulates default procedures
on real estate.

Even though many banks give priority to the cash flow statements before
the collateral of the loan, the use of mortgages to finance real estate
developments is common in Slovenia. Mortgages are used as collateral for
corporate financing of development projects. The creditor often requires
the debtor to own, in equity, one and a half to two times the amount of
the loan, depending on the debtor's credit rating. Once the mortgage is
consummated between the creditor and debtor, it is registered in the
Land Registry Book. If the mortgager defaults on the loan, the law
provides for a foreclosure procedure on the mortgaged property.

Slovene banks also offer project financing services for construction and
development projects. Under this program, the banks offer up to 70%
financing (30% of the project cost is usually required from the
investor's own sources). The banks also offer advisory services
pertaining to Slovene regulations on building and sales of real estate
as well as transfer of ownership of the mortgaged real estate. As
collateral, the bank usually requires a mortgage on the building being
built.

######## 

### Intellectual Property

Slovenia has enacted highly advanced and comprehensive legislation for
the protection of intellectual property that fully reflects the most
recent intellectual developments in the TRIPS Agreement (Trade Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property) and various EU directives. Slovenia
negotiated its TRIPS commitments as a developing country and implemented
its commitments as of January 1, 1996. Slovenia is a full member of the
TRIPS Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Slovenia has already ratified
the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the Cyber Crime Convention.

Slovenia's Intellectual Protection Office actively participates in the
Intellectual Property Working Party of the Council of the EU, the
Trademark Committee and other EU working bodies in formulation of new EU
legislation. The Copyright and Related Rights Act amended in 2001 and
2004 deals with all fields of modern copyright and related rights law,
including traditional works and their authors, computer programs,
audiovisual works, as well as rental and lending rights. The act also
takes into account new technologies such as storage and electronic
memory, original databases, satellite broadcasting, and cable
re-transmission. The 2004 harmonization with the EU legislation
introduced a new system of collective management of intellectual rights
following the latest directive.

The 1994 Law on Courts gives the District Court of Ljubljana exclusive
subject matter jurisdiction over intellectual property disputes. The aim
of the law is to ensure specialization of the judges and the speed of
relevant proceedings. Concerning the TRIPS Agreement's enforcement
provision, Slovene law provides for a number of civil legal sanctions,
including injunctive relief and the removal of the infringement, the
seizure and destruction of illegal copies and devices, the publication
of the judgment in the media, compensatory and punitive damages, border
(customs) measures, and the securing of evidence and other provisional
measures without the prior notification and hearing of the other party.
Furthermore, these infringements also constitute a misdemeanor with
fines ranging from €417 (\$542) [^2] to €41,729 (\$ 54,200) for legal
persons and a range of fines, from €41.73 (\$54) to €2,086 (\$2,712),
for supervisors of individual offenders provided that the reported
offenses are not criminal in nature. In such a case, the Slovenian
Criminal Code would apply, which may result in fines or in extreme
cases, imprisonment. While Slovene laws regarding intellectual property
are clearly defined, there have been complaints by foreign investors
about the slow nature of the court system.

Since the enactment of the Law on Copyright and Related Rights Act,
there have been relatively few reported prosecutions for infringement
violations. Most notably are cases of computer software piracy. In 2002,
the Koper District Prosecution Office successfully completed a case
against a small computer company, which illegally installed software on
its customers' hard disk drives in 1997. In January 2004, a long-running
software piracy court case ended with a jail sentence and monetary fine.
Since piracy prosecution is still in the early stages of implementation,
Slovenia has dedicated resources to the training of prosecutors and
public authorities. Slovenia continues to address the preservation of
evidence in infringement procedures and border measures by amending
existing legislation. Moreover, the Ministry of Culture established the
Intellectual Property Fund, the Slovene Copyright Agency, and the
Anti-Piracy Association of Software Dealers (BSA) to combat the problem
of piracy in a collective manner.

### Patents and Trademarks/Licensing

The Law on Industrial Property grants and protects patents, model and
design rights, trademark and service marks, and appellations of origin.
The holder of a patent, model, or design right is entitled to:
exclusively work the protected invention, shape, picture, or drawing;
exclusively market any products manufactured in accordance with the
protected invention, shape, picture, or drawing; dispose of the patent,
model, or design right; prohibit working of the protected invention,
model, or design and legal transactions in respect of them, by any
person not having his consent.

The holder of a trademark has the exclusive right to use the mark in the
course of trade to designate his products or services. The authorized
user of a protected appellation of origin has the right to use the
appellation in the course of trade for marking products to which the
appellation refers.

The patent and trademark rights granted by the Law on Industrial
Property take effect from the date of filing the appropriate
applications. Patents are granted for twenty years from the date of
filing and model and design rights are granted for ten years. Trademarks
are granted for ten years, but may be renewed an unlimited number of
times. The term of an appellation of origin is unlimited. All patents
and trademarks are registered through the Slovenian Intellectual
Property Office with all registers open to the public. Patent and
trademark applications filed in member countries of the International
Union for the Protection of Industrial Property are afforded priority
rights in Slovenia. The priority period is twelve months for patents and
six months for model and design rights.

Any person who infringes upon a patent or trademark right may be held
liable for damages and prohibited from carrying on the infringing acts.

The Law on Industrial Property also provides for the contractual
licensing of patents, model and design rights, and marks. All license
agreements must be in writing and specify the duration of the license,
the scope of the license, whether the license is exclusive or
non-exclusive, and the amount of remuneration for the use if
compensation is agreed upon.

Compulsory licenses may be granted to another person when the invention
is in the public interest or the patentee misuses his rights granted
under the patent. A misuse of a patent occurs when the patentee does not
work or insufficiently works a patented invention and refuses to license
other persons to work the protected invention or imposes unjustified
conditions on the licensee. If a compulsory license is granted, the
patentee is entitled to compensation. Slovene industrial property
legislation fully complies with EU standards.

## Transparency of Regulatory System [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Foreign companies conducting business in Slovenia have the same rights,
obligations, and responsibilities as domestic companies. The principles
of commercial enterprise, free operation, and national treatment apply
to the operations of foreign companies as well. Their basic rights are
guaranteed by the Law on Commercial Companies and the Law on Foreign
Transactions.

Generally, the bureaucratic procedures and practices are sufficiently
streamlined and transparent for the foreign investor wishing to start a
business in Slovenia. In order to establish a business in Slovenia, the
foreign investor must produce a sufficient minimum amount of capital,
and €8,763 (\$11,392) for a limited liability company and €25,038
(\$32,549) for a stock company, establish a business address, and file
appropriate documentation with the court. The entire process usually
takes from three weeks to one month, but may take longer in Ljubljana
due to backlogs in the court. Previously, the registration process took
up to a year, but Slovenia has made great efforts to reduce the delay.

Slovenia signed a reciprocal taxation treaty with the U.S. in June 1999.
The rate of taxation of profits in Slovenia is lower than in the United
States. Slovenia introduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) in July 1999.
Slovenian VAT only has two grades, 8.5% and 20%. The standard VAT is 20%
with 8.5% for some specialty items.

### Protection of Competition

In Slovenia, highly concentrated market structures are not illegal per
se; however, the abuse of market power is. The Law on the Protection of
Competition prohibits acts that restrict competition in the market,
conflict with good business practices relating to market access, or
involve prohibited speculation. The law, which is fully harmonized with
EU legislation, is applicable to corporate bodies and natural persons
engaged in economic activities regardless of their legal form,
organization, or ownership. The law also applies to the actions of
public companies.

Restriction of competition through cartel agreements, unfair competition
(i.e., false advertising, promises/gifts in exchange for business, trade
secrets, etc.), illicit speculation during times of irregular market
situations, and dumping and subsidized imports are all prohibited. The
Government may, however, prescribe market restrictions in the following
instances: in cases of natural disasters, epidemics, or in a state of
emergency; in cases of appreciable market disturbances due to the
shortage of goods; or when necessary to satisfy requirements for the
products, raw materials, and semi-finished goods of special or strategic
importance to the defense of the nation.

The Competition Protection Office (CPO) is charged with ensuring fair
competition in the marketplace. Investigations can be initiated by the
CPO or conducted at the request of private companies. The CPO can issue
a decree against any company found to have violated the Law on the
Protection of Competition, although the power to fine companies rests
solely in the hands of the courts. Any party trading in goods or
services on the market may initiate legal proceedings in cases of unfair
competition. Injured parties are entitled to compensation and the
injunction of the unfair acts.

The court may issue a penalty of €125,188 (\$162,700) to €375,563
(\$488,000) against companies found to have engaged in cartel
agreements, abused a dominant market position, committed an act of
unfair competition, or engaged in illicit speculation. The managers and
directors of the sanctioned company may be liable for a minimum fine of
€4,173 (\$5,400). Self-employed persons found to have committed any of
the legally prohibited actions are liable for no less than €41,729
(\$54,200). There are also fines for not complying with the CPO in the
range of €2,086 to €4,173 (\$2,700 --\$5,400) for every week that
requested documentation is not submitted. The same range of fines also
applies if the sanctions are not carried out.

## Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment [**Return to top**](#ch6)

The financial sector remains relatively underdeveloped for a country
with Slovenia\'s prosperity. Enterprises rarely raise capital through
the stock market. The shallowness of the sector hinders economies of
scale and**,** despite shortcomings in the banking sector, capital is
cheaper to acquire through banks than through more direct equity or debt
sales.

### Banking

The banking sector in Slovenia is marked by a relatively **high degree
of concentration** (the three largest banks account for half of total
banking assets and the top seven hold nearly 80% of the market),
**excess capacity** (21 banks, 3 savings banks in a country of 2 million
people), and a **low level of services**. As a result, a number of banks
are unable to exploit economies of scale and have relatively low
productivity levels, with the consequences being high margins and low
returns on equity.

In the past several years, a number of Slovene banks have been partially
or fully taken over by foreign banks. In addition, a number of Slovene
banks have announced mergers. In 2001, France's Societe Generale took
over Slovenia's largest private bank, SKB Banka. In October 2001,
Italian banking group San Paolo IMI purchased 82% of Bank of Koper, the
fifth largest bank. In spring 2002, the Government sold 34% of the
largest commercial bank, Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB), to the Belgian
KBC Group, with another 5% sold to the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD). The Government has stated that it intends to
invite further investment in NLB. In October 2004, the second largest
commercial bank, Nova Kreditna Banka Maribor (NKBM), merged with PBS
(the Postal Bank of Slovenia, the bank with the most widely spread
network of offices in the country). This was precipitated by NKBM's
inability to find a buyer in 2002. The two largest banks, NLB and NKBM,
are majority-owned by the state but the current government avers that it
is committed to privatizing them. Despite poor results in finding
strategic partners and KBC's publicly-announced interest in pulling out
of NLB, with the latest negotiations, government ownership of businesses
moved closer to the expressed goal of 25% plus one share by the end of
2007.

The balance sheets of Slovenia's banks are relatively strong, reflecting
an early and aggressive program of bank rehabilitation launched by the
Government in 1992. However, the wide differences between the balance
sheets of the largest and the smallest banks seem to indicate that the
ultimate consolidation of the banking sector is inevitable. The
Government has encouraged bank mergers as a means of dealing with the
sector\'s excess capacity.

New banking legislation authorizes commercial banks, savings banks, and
stock brokerage firms to purchase securities abroad. Investment funds
may also purchase securities abroad provided that certain
diversification requirements are met.

### Securities Markets

The Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LSE) was established in 1990. A Commodity
Exchange

(CE) was established in 1994, but ceased operation in 1998. The LSE
underwent its most rapid growth during the period from 1994 to 1997,
aided by the listing of new companies in the first phase of
privatization in Slovenia. The LSE serves more as a vehicle for
achieving the transformation of enterprises than as a means for raising
capital.

A very illiquid exchange, the LSE has been working to encourage the
government to list shares of strong, state-owned companies such as
Telekom Slovenije or NLB in order to boost market activity. As of
January 2007 only Telekom Slovenije is listed on the Ljubljana Stock
Exchange. Although the initial Telekom Slovenije trade volume was very
low, doors are open for an investor. The LSE also held discussions with
larger European stock exchanges about the possibility of joint
operation.

In 1997, the LSE became a full member of the International Association
of Stock Exchanges (FIBV). The LSE has two official listings -- A and B
-- depending on the amount of a listing\'s capital, audited financial
statements, size of the class of securities, and securities
distribution. The over-the-counter (C) market has less stringent
requirements. In spite of the market boom since 2002, securities markets
remain relatively underdeveloped in Slovenia. Despite appreciation of
the market capitalization of the LSE in recent years, it remains a very
illiquid market, with annual turnover similar to a single day's trading
on the NYSE.

In 1995, the Central Securities Clearing Corporation (KDD) was
established. KDD runs the central registry securities and trade
clearings concluded on the LSE electronic trading system. The Securities
Market Agency (SMA), established in 1994, has powers similar to the SEC
in the U.S. The SMA supervises investment firms, the LSE, the KDD,
investment funds, and management companies, and shares responsibility
with the Bank of Slovenia for supervision of banking and investment
services.

The LSE uses different dissemination systems, including real time
on-line trading information via REUTERS or the BDS System. The LSE also
publishes information on the Internet at
[http://www.ljse.si](http://www.ljse.si/)[.]{.underline}

#### 

### Insurance

A high level of concentration characterizes the insurance sector in
Slovenia with the largest company, Triglav d.d., holding 43% of the
total market in gross premiums and the 5 largest companies accounting
for 91% of market share. Insurance companies invest their assets
primarily in non-financial companies, state bonds, and bank-issued
bonds.

There have been significant changes in the legislation regulating the
insurance sector since 2000. The Ownership Transformation of Insurance
Companies Act, designed to accomplish the privatization of insurance
companies, was postponed several times due to ambiguity concerning the
estimated share of state-controlled capital. Although insurance sector
privatization discussions have been ongoing since 2005, no concrete
plans have been announced.

Currently, there are three health insurance companies registered in
Slovenia and 13 companies offering other kinds of insurance. However,
under EU regulation, any insurance company registered in the EU can
market its services in Slovenia as well, given that the insurance
supervision agency of the country where this company is registered has
notified the Slovenian Supervision Agency of the company's intentions.

## Political Violence [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Except for a brief, 10-day conflict in 1991 over Slovene independence,
there have been no incidents of political violence in Slovenia. A NATO
member since March 2004, Slovenia maintains normal diplomatic and
commercial relations with all former Yugoslav republics.

## Corruption [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Similar to many other European countries, Slovenia does not have a
bribery statute equal in stature to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act. However, Chapter 24 of the Slovene Criminal Code (S.C.C.) provides
statutory provisions for criminal offenses against the economy.
Corruption against the economy can take the form of corruption among
private firms or corruption among public officials.

The S.C.C. provides for criminal sanctions against officials of private
firms for the following crimes: forgery or destruction of business
documents; unauthorized use or disclosure of business secrets; insider
trading; embezzlement; acceptance of gifts under certain circumstances;
money laundering; and tax evasion.

Specifically, Articles 247 and 248 of the S.C.C. make it illegal for a
person performing a commercial activity to demand or accept undue
rewards, gifts, or other material benefits that will ultimately result
in the harm or neglect of his business organization. While Article 247
makes it illegal to accept gifts, Article 248 prohibits the tender of
gifts in order to gain an undue advantage at the conclusion of any
business dealings.

Public officials are held accountable under Article 267 of the S.C.C.,
which makes it illegal for a public official to request or accept a gift
in order to perform or omit an official act within the scope of his
official duties. The acceptance of a bribe by a public official may
result in a fine or imprisonment of no less than one year, with a
maximum sentence of five years. The accepted gift/bribe is also seized.

While Article 267 holds public officials accountable, Article 268 holds
the gift's donor accountable. Article 268 makes it illegal for natural
persons or legal entities to bribe public officials with gifts.
Violation of this article carries a sentence of up to three years.
However, if the presenter of the gift discloses such bribery before it
is detected or discovered, punishment may be omitted. Generally, the
gift is seized. However, if the presenter of the gift disclosed the
violation, the gift may be returned to him/her.

The state prosecutor's office is responsible for the enforcement of the
foregoing anti-bribery provisions. The number of cases of actual bribery
is small and is generally limited to instances involving inspection and
tax collection. Although the prosecutor's office may suspect bribery and
related corruption practices in government procurement offices,
obtaining evidence is difficult, thereby making it equally difficult to
prosecute. Corruption in Slovenia is on a minor scale. 2001 saw
Slovenia's first and only serious scandal involving a high public
official convicted of accepting a bribe.

## Bilateral Investment Agreements [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Slovenia has signed Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with Albania,
Australia, Austria, Belgium -- Luxembourg Economic Union, Bosnia &
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Lithuania, Macedonia (F.Y.R.), Malaysia,
Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian
Federation, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Serbia
and Montenegro. Slovenia is currently negotiating BITs with Argentina,
Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. Slovenia does not have a BIT with the
United States due to ongoing discussions between the US and the EU on
how member states without a BIT treaty will accede to the US-EU BIT
agreement.

## OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs [**Return to top**](#ch6)

The U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and Slovenia
signed a bilateral agreement on April 24, 1994. There are currently a
number of OPIC investment finance and insurance programs available in
Slovenia, including loan guarantees, direct loans, and political
violence and expropriation insurance.

The U.S. Export-Import Bank offers short-, medium-, and long-term
private sector as well as short-term public sector programs in Slovenia.
In July 1999, the Slovenian Export Corporation (SEC) and the U.S.
Export-Import Bank signed a memorandum on cooperation in financing,
insuring, and reinsuring exports to Southeast European countries. In
January 2007, the SEC restructured to become the Slovenian Export and
Development Bank. More information is available on their website
[www.sid.si](http://www.sid.si/).

## Labor [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Continuing the positive trend in the Slovene labor market, the number of
employed persons grew by 1.4% in the first eight months of 2006. The
labor force expanded by 0.5%. At the same time the number of registered
unemployed fell by 7.5%. Employment increased mainly in the service
sector, while it continued to fall in farming, mining, and processing
industries.

Slovenia fully harmonized labor legislation with the EU on May 1, 2004.
Slovenia has opted for no transition period in connection with workforce
movement, but has kept the right to intervene through 2009 in case of
market distortion. In line with new legislation, Slovenia has retained
strict rules on issuing work permits to non-EU applicants. The 2001
Employment of Aliens Act introduces a quota system for work permits and
simplifies the procedure for obtaining work permits for foreigners who
have worked and lived in Slovenia over a long period of time. In 2005,
approximately 41,600 work permits were issued, below the quota of about
43,700. For 2006, a quota of 49,000 work permits was established. By the
end of October 2006, nearly 92% of the quota was used.

As of September 2006, the 9-month unemployment rate for 2006 was 6.2%
(according to the ILO method). The official forecast for unemployment in
2007 and 2008 is 6.4%. Despite a generally decreasing rate of
unemployment, the problem of structural unemployment persists. A number
of "old-line" businesses have announced layoffs for the coming years
which could put thousands of people out of work, significant in a
country where the total workforce numbers less than one million. The
economic reforms propose to address this problem through a combination
of retraining and investment in new technologies. The regions of highest
unemployment in Slovenia are mostly in the northeast.

Slovenia's wage-setting practice follows the "social partners" mode,
designed to contain upward pressure by centralizing wage decisions. In
practice, however, high wage expectations have pushed Slovenia's wage
levels far above those of its central European neighbors, reaching about
half the cost of Austrian labor. However, its well-educated labor force
and position as the most productive transition economy allows it to
remain competitive in niche markets.

Increases in wages in the private sector for 2007 are forecasted to be
2.9% (1.5% in real terms), which is a smaller increase than in 2006. In
the public sector, wages are expected to increase in 2007 by 2.1% (-
0.7% in real terms, if labor productivity will meet the estimated 3.3%
growth).

In March 2006, employer and employee associations began negotiations on
a new agreement, which will also contain guidelines for wage policy in
the private and public sectors. Although the previous agreement expired
in 2005, the new one has yet to be agreed upon. Thus far, negotiators
have only agreed upon minimum wage policy standards for 2006 and 2007.
The new agreement will have to reflect the fact that Slovenia joined the
eurozone in January 2007. In order to maintain macroeconomic stability,
wage policy should preserve the lagging of wage growth behind labor
productivity growth.

Slovenia adopted a new Employment Relationship Act that entered into
force in January 2003. The Act defines a full time workweek as 36 to 40
hours (made up of 6 to 8-hour days including a 30-minute lunch break),
increases protection of critical working groups (including women and
children), and eases the conditions under which an employer may
terminate employees.

Slovenia's labor force performs well in the higher value-added
activities that utilize its skilled technicians and engineers at a
somewhat lower cost than in the developed West. However, Slovenia would
benefit from a workforce with stronger managerial skills, most notably
in the banking and insurance sectors. Despite the introduction of
greater labor market flexibility, the market for workers remains quite
rigid and investors will find that termination of workers is more
difficult than in the U.S. In addition, the labor market remains
relatively over-protected, and pay scales in public service are very
complicated and do not reward performance. The government's economic
reform package proposes significant changes to the labor market, and
would add greater flexibility in terms of moving employees from one job
skill to another as well as enabling companies to terminate more easily
underperforming employees.

## Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports [**Return to top**](#ch6)

There are two kinds of Free Trade Zones in Slovenia: Free Economic Zones
and Free Customs Zones.

### Free Economic Zones

Free economic zones (FEZ) exist in Koper and Maribor. FEZs may be
established by one or more domestic legal persons. The founders must
provide the resources necessary for the establishment and commencement
of operation, as well as suitable technical, organizational, ecological,
and other conditions for the performance of business activities.

The following activities may be performed within free zones: production
and services; wholesale trade; banking and other financial services; and
insurance and reinsurance regarding the above mentioned activities.

After obtaining an appropriate tax authority decision, users of FEZs are
entitled to the following benefits:

-   VAT exemption for imports of equipment, production materials, and
    services necessary for export production or performance of other
    permitted activities;

-   a reduction in corporate tax rates from the normal 25% to 10%;

-   a tax allowance amounting to 50% of invested resources on
    investments in tangible assets in the FEZ; and

-   a reduction in the taxable base amounting to 50% of the salaries of
    apprentices and other workers formerly unemployed for at least 6
    months.

The agreement on establishment of free economic zones is subject to
governmental approval within 30 days of submitting the application. The
founder must also obtain an operating license and a customs authority
decision on the fulfillment of conditions for performing customs
inspection in the free zone.

According to the Economic Zones Act, the Parliament adopted the Decree
on Economic Zones, outlining the procedures for obtaining all necessary
permits for the establishment and operation of FEZs.

Foreign persons may only establish FEZs through forming a company
registered in Slovenia. Foreign persons may, however, operate in FEZs by
concluding a contract with the domestic company that established the
particular free economic zone. Foreign persons may also be eligible to
apply for FEZ after gaining permanent residency of Slovenia.

The application for establishment of FEZs must be filed with the
Ministry of Economy. In addition to the information required by Article
7 of the Free Economic Zones Act, the application must contain a
sufficiently detailed description of intended activities to enable an
economically viable decision regarding the establishment of the FEZ and
the effective customs supervision of business operations. Properly
completed applications are forwarded to the Ministry of Economy,
Ministry of Finance, and Customs Administration for further
consideration.

Before commencing operations, the customs authorities inspect the FEZ
premises for the purpose of ensuring conditions for effective customs
control and approving the method of keeping the records of goods as
prescribed by the Free Economic Zones Act. Tax authorities then issue a
decision entitling the FEZ operator to the favorable tax treatment
mentioned above.

While FEZ Koper is fully operational, only one company is present in FEZ
Maribor. According to the Law on Free Economic Zones, operations in FEZs
are guaranteed until at least January 1^st^, 2010.

### Free Customs Zones

As of January 2006, the only free customs zone in Slovenia is the Port
of Koper.

Under the Customs Act, subjects operating in FCZs are not liable for
payment of customs duties, nor are they subject to other trade policy
measures until goods are released into free circulation.

Duties and rights of users include the following:

-   Separate books must be kept for activities undertaken in FCZs;

-   Users may undertake business activities in a FCZ on the basis of
    contracts with the founders of FCZs;

-   Users are free to import goods (customs goods, domestic goods for
    export) into FCZs;

-   Goods imported into FCZs may remain for an indefinite period, except
    agricultural produce, for which a time limit is set by the
    government;

-   Entry to and exit from FCZs is to be controlled;

-   Founders and users must allow customs or other responsible
    authorities to execute customs or other supervision; and

-   For the purposes of customs control, users must keep records of all
    goods imported into, exported from, or consumed or altered in FCZs.

The Customs Act also allows the establishment of open FCZs regulated by
more liberal provisions regarding their organization and customs
authorities' supervision.

In such FCZs, users may undertake the following activities:

-   Production and service activities, including handicrafts, defined in
    the founding act or contract, and banking and other financial
    business transactions, property and personal insurance and
    reinsurance connected with the activities undertaken;

-   Wholesale transactions; and

-   Retail sales, but only for other users of the zone or for use within
    the FCZ.

Customs authorities must be previously notified of the performance of
the above-mentioned activities. Activities in FCZs must not endanger
health, life, or the environment. Goods that leave a FCZ may be
re-exported from the customs territory or taken to another part of the
customs territory after payment of customs duties.

#### 

### Purchase rights 

Businesses incorporated or founded in Slovenia have equal purchase
rights, land, and natural resources use as Slovenian enterprises
regardless of the share of foreign capital. Businesses not incorporated
or founded in Slovenia have the same rights if they have
subsidiaries/enterprises with headquarters in the EU and all
transactions are justified by the primary activity of the business.
Businesses not falling into either of the above categories should
contact the Slovenian Public Investment Promotion Agency (JAPTI) for
further information at
[www.investslovenia.org](http://www.investslovenia.org/).

Private EU citizens may purchase or sell land and acquire rights to
natural resources. However, Slovenia has reserved the right to impose
restrictions until 2008 in case of market distortions. For individual
U.S. citizens, however, the situation is different. Slovenia is a
successor of the 1881 Treaty between the United States of America and
Serbia. Among other matters, the Treaty governs the issue of acquiring
real property. Under the Treaty, United States citizens enjoy the right
of acquiring real property in Slovenia. However, the Treaty is still
pending ratification by the National Assembly of Slovenia. Until the
Treaty has been ratified, i.e. until a new bilateral agreement is
adopted, the situation concerning individual United States citizens'
ownership of real property in Slovenia is unclear and authorization of
purchases are generally treated on a case by case basis by the legal
authorities. As such, JAPTI normally recommends that United States
citizens use the real property purchase option available to nationals of
all third countries, namely, establishing a company.

#### 

### Key business locations 

Slovenia has recently developed sites designed for greenfield
investments. Most of the newly developed industrial zones have direct
access to highways and rail service. The infrastructure in place is well
developed. In some instances, prices for fully equipped land in
industrial zones may be acquired at a reasonable rate since
municipalities and the State often subsidize infrastructure and land
costs. Above all, local authorities are interested in new employment
opportunities. In Lendava, a town located in the eastern part of the
country, price per square meter of land is roughly €5, while prices in
the vicinity of Ljubljana can run to €50 or more. Potential investors
may also count on a full range of free services and concessions provided
by local development agencies for start-ups. The assistance may also
include assistance in completing all the necessary paper work (permits)
and, in some cases, organizing and financing construction in line with
the investors' requirements. The table given here is indicative of
prices in areas around Slovenia. Interested investors can contact the
U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana for further information.

+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Area/  | Tow          | E   | Size        | Contact                 |
|        | n/industrial | UR/ |             |                         |
| Region | park         |     |             |                         |
|        |              | sq  |             |                         |
|        |              | m   |             |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| P      | Lendava      | 15  | 158         | Poslovni park Lendava   |
| omurje |              |     | hectares    | d.o.o.                  |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| P      | Murska       | 25  | 52.5        | MURA (Regional          |
| omurje | Sobota       |     | hectares    | Development Agency)     |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Po     | Slovenska    | 47  | 27 hectares | Municipality of         |
| dravje | Bistrica     |     |             | Slovenska Bistrica      |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| P      | Slovenska    | 25  | 38 hectares | Municipality of Brežice |
| osavje | vas          |     |             |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| P      | Drnovo       | 27  | 80 hectares | Municipality of Krško   |
| osavje |              |     |             |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Gor    | Naklo        | 23  | 87.5        | Municipality of Naklo   |
| enjska |              |     | hectares    |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Sav    | Celje        | not | 32 hectares | Municipality of Celje,  |
| injska | (Gaberje)    | yet |             |                         |
|        |              | sta |             | Celje Regional          |
|        |              | ted |             | Development Agency      |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Notr   | Postojna     | 4\* | 23 hectares | Municipality of         |
| anjska | (Studenec)   |     |             | Postojna                |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Bela   | Metlika      | 25  | 13 hectares | Municipality of Metlika |
| K      |              |     |             |                         |
| rajina |              |     |             |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Bela   | Črnomelj     | 1   | 100         | Rudnik Kanižarica       |
| K      | (Kanižarica) | 2.5 | hectares    |                         |
| rajina |              |     |             |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+
| Osredn | Komenda      | 62. | 93 hectares | Municipality of Komenda |
| je-slo |              | 5 - |             |                         |
| venska |              | 125 |             |                         |
+--------+--------------+-----+-------------+-------------------------+

\*the price stands for land only (no infrastructure)

Source: JAPTI 2006

## Foreign Direct Investment Statistics [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Slovenia is very low, despite
Slovenia's overall good mix of qualities as an investment location.
Total FDI stock in Slovenia at the end of 2005 was \$7.09 billion. As
with trade, the bulk of FDI in Slovenia is European in origin. U.S. FDI
in Slovenia is quite small, around 10% of the total, or roughly
\$590-650 million. (N.B.: The Bank of Slovenia (BoS), in its official
data, lists U.S. FDI at approximately \$110.3 million. However, this
amount does not take into account significant investments by U.S. firms,
notably Goodyear. This data is not listed as U.S. in origin by the BoS
as U.S. funds were routed through a third country. Goodyear's investment
in Sava Tires, for example, came to Slovenia via a bank in Luxembourg.
Based on our discussions with U.S. firms, we believe our estimate of
\$590-650 million is a more accurate representation of the true U.S. FDI
presence in Slovenia.)

###### [Foreign Direct Investment in Slovenia -- Stock on 31.12. 2005 (major investors)]{.underline}

Country Total Value Share of

(Millions of Euros) Total (%)

Austria 1,725.7 28.9

Switzerland 974.3 16.3

Netherlands 635.8 10.6

France 518.7 8.7

Germany 517.7 8.7

Italy 344.3 5.8

Croatia 289.7 4.8

Belgium 209.3 3.5

Czech Republic 114.3 1.9

United Kingdom 94.3 1.6

USA (*official BoS data, see note above*) 93.0 1.6

Other 463.0 7.7

Total 5,980.1 100.0

###### [Foreign Direct Investment in Slovenia by sector -- Stock on 31.12. 2005]{.underline}

Sector Total Value Share of

(Millions of Euros) Total (%)

Financial intermediation, not insurance 1,113.7 18.6

Mfr. chemicals & chemical products 942.1 15.8

Other business activities 556.2 9.3

Wholesale, commission, not motors 508.6 8.5

Mfr. of rubber & plastic products 307.2 5.1

Mfr. of pulp, paper & paper products 289.4 4.8

Mfr. of motor vehicles 256.2 4.3

Electricity, gas, steam, and hot water 252.7 4.2

Mfr. of machinery & equipment 246.0 4.1

Sale/repair of motors and machinery 177.2 3.0

Other 1,330.8 22.2

Total 5,980.1 100.0

###### [Slovene Foreign Direct Investment abroad -- Stock on 31.12. 2005]{.underline}

Country Total Value Share of

(Millions of Euros) Total (%)

Croatia 789.3 27.0

Netherlands 570.7 19.2

Serbia and Montenegro 501.1 16.9

Bosnia and Herzegovina 277.1 9.3

Poland 131.7 4.4

Macedonia 111.8 3.8

Germany 85.2 2.9

Russian Federation 83.9 2.8

Liberia 60.1 2.0

Austria 42.8 1.4

USA 40.2 1.4

Other 276.0 9.3

Total 2,969.9 100.0

###### [Slovene Foreign Direct Investment abroad by sector -- Stock on 31.12. 2005]{.underline}

Sector Total Value Share of

(Millions of Euros) Total (%)

Other business activities 735.6 24.7

Mfr. chemicals & chemical products 351.1 11.8

Retail trade, not motors; repairs 314.4 10.6

Financial intermediation, not insurance 201.3 6.8

Mfr of food products & beverages 192.8 6.5

Wholesale, commission, not motors 149.2 5.0

Mfr. of machinery & equipment 123.0 4.1

Sale/Repair of moors and machinery 83.0 2.8

Manufacture of textiles 77.4 2.6

Manufacture of motor vehicles, etc 62.4 2.1

Other 679.7 22.9

Total 2,969.9 100.0

### Major U.S.-based Investors:

The following is a short list of U.S. firms holding investments or with
a presence in Slovenia.

Amway

ANR-Amer Nielsen Research

Caterpillar

3M

Coca-Cola Corporation

Colgate-Palmolive

Cisco

Deloitte & Touche

DHL International

DuPont

Ecolab

Eli Lilly

Ernst & Young

Emerson Electronics

Goodyear

Hewlett-Packard Company

IBM

Johnson & Johnson

Marsh

Masterfoods

Merck, Sharp & Dohme

Microsoft

McDonald's

Motorola

Oracle Corporation

Pfizer Corporation

Philip Morris

Pricewaterhouse Coopers

Procter & Gamble

Schering-Plough

United Global Communications

Wrigley

Xerox

### Other Major Foreign Investors in Slovenia:

Alcan, Canada

AmBev, Brazil

BankAustria Creditanstalt AG, Austria

Belisce, Croatia

Bramac International, Austria

Brig&Bergmeister, Austria

Chiorino, Italy

Citroen, France

Danfoss, Denmark

Debitel AG, Germany

EBRD, United Kingdom

EGO, Switzerland

E. Leclerc, France

Faurecia, France

GKN, United Kingdom

Grammer Automotive, Germany

Grupo Bonazzi, Italy

Hella, Germany

Henkel Central, Austria

Horizonte Enterprise Development, Netherlands

IBRD, United Kingdom

Imperial Tobacco, United Kingdom

Inexia AB, Sweden

ISS Central Europe, Austria

IHC Holland, Netherlands

KBC, Belgium

KM Moebl, Germany

Lafarge Perlomooger, Austria

Mannesann Rexroth, Germany

Messer Griesheim, Germany

Mobilcom, Austria

Nijaz Hastor, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Novartis, Switzerland (Sandoz Group)

Novem, Germany

Pfledider, Germany

Podravka, Croatia

Renault, France

Rexel, France

Roto Frank AG, Germany

San Paolo IMI, Italy

Safilo, Italy

Siemens AG, Germany

Societe Generale, France

Sodexho Alliance, France

Spar, The Netherlands

STE Troyes, France

Styria Federn, Austria

TCG Unitech AG, Austria

Vogt, Germany

Wieneberger, Austria

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch6)

Employment Service of Slovenia:
<http://www.ess.gov.si/eng/Introduction/Introduction.htm>

Ljubljana Stock Exchange:
<http://www.ljse.si/cgi-bin/jve.cgi?doc=1468&sid=IZcm9itkX3Nnu9H6>

Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investment:
<http://www.japti.si/index.php?root=4>

Slovenian Intellectual Property Office:
<http://www.uil-sipo.si/index.php?id=lang>

Slovenian Export and Development Bank Inc., Ljubljana:
<http://www.sid.si/sidang.nsf>

Bank of Slovenia: <http://www.bsi.si/en/>

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch7 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing

-   [How Do I Get Paid (Methods of
    Payment)](#how-do-i-get-paid-methods-of-payment-return-to-top)

-   [How Does the Banking System
    Operate](#how-does-the-banking-system-operate-return-to-top)

-   [U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent
    Banks](#u.s.-banks-and-local-correspondent-banks-return-to-top)

-   [Project Financing](#project-financing-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top-3)

## How Do I Get Paid (Methods of Payment) [**Return to top**](#ch7)

The usual methods of payment in Slovenia include cash, bank debit cards,
and major credit cards. Many vendors offer installment payments,
especially for goods valued over US\$100. In cooperation with a local
bank, vendors also offer on-the-spot "mini-loans" for purchases from
approximately US\$500 to US\$1,500.

For larger purchases (furniture, cars, real-estate), an invoice or
proforma invoice is issued. The client then wires the money directly to
seller's bank account to avoid large withdrawals and deposits of cash.
While larger transactions (over 50,000 Euros) or transactions marked
urgent are done in real time (Real Time Gross Settlements -- RTGS),
other payments are cleared every two hours, starting at 8am with the
last clearance at 4pm.

## How Does the Banking System Operate? [**Return to top**](#ch7)

The banking sector in Slovenia remains fairly rudimentary. Unlike many
of the transition economies\' banking industries, Slovenian banks have
rather strong capital bases and robust loan portfolios. In many cases,
however, banks are limited to a narrow range of traditional activities
and have yet to engage in new consumer services, investment banking, and
management of more complex financial instruments. Nevertheless, the
financial statements of Slovenian banks are in compliance with
international standards and audited by internationally recognized
auditors. Because of the relative immaturity of the banking sector,
identifying financing for domestic projects can be problematic. Banks
typically seek 100% collateral in most cases. Currently, there are no
American banks registered in Slovenia.

Slovenia has taken some important steps to liberalize its financial
markets. A combination of market forces and changes in the Bank of
Slovenia's regulations and national legislation are moving this sector
in a more globally oriented direction. In the future, it will likely
become easier and more transparent to make both portfolio and direct
investments in Slovenia and to conduct many financial operations,
including banking, securities brokering, and undertaking various credit
transactions. The banking sector is also showing signs of stirring from
its relative torpor, as many banks have consolidated under the pressures
of competition.

The referential interest rate in Slovenia is EURIBOR. Interest rates are
usually expressed as 3, 6 or 12-month EURIBOR + margin. The Consumer
Price Index (CPI) is used as a measure of inflation.

Other sources of financing are available, although only for a limited
range of activities. The U.S. Export-Import Bank provides medium-term
and long-term loans and guarantees, and OPIC offers loan guarantees and
direct loans. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International
Finance Corporation are involved in funding large infrastructure
projects, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(EBRD) provides financing for banking sector privatization as well as
financing for the privatization of other sectors.

In July 1999, the Slovenian Export Corporation (SEC) and the U.S.
Export-Import Bank signed a memorandum on cooperation in financing,
insuring, and reinsuring exports to Southeast European countries.

## U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks [**Return to top**](#ch7)

Currently, there are no U.S. banks operating in Slovenia. However, all
Slovene banks have correspondent banks in the U.S., hence money
transfers are to and from the U.S. are not problematic.

Banks operating in Slovenia:

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **ABANKA VIPA d.d.**              | Slovenska cesta 58, 1517          |
|                                   | Ljubljana\                        |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 471 81 00\                 |
| Phone:\                           | +386 1 432 51 65, +386 1 432 93   |
| Fax:\                             | 22\                               |
| Internet:\                        | [www.ab                           |
| E-mail:                           | anka.si/](http://www.abanka.si/)\ |
|                                   | <info@abanka.si>                  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **BANK AUSTRIA CREDITANSTALT      | Šmartinska 140, 1000 Ljubljana\   |
| d.d.**                            | +386 1 587 66 00\                 |
|                                   | +386 1 587 66 84\                 |
| Address:\                         | <http://www.ba-ca.si/>\           |
| Phone:\                           | <info@si.bacai.com>               |
| Fax:\                             |                                   |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **BANKA CELJE d.d.**              | Vodnikova 2, 3000 Celje\          |
|                                   | +386 3 422 10 00\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 3 422 11 00\                 |
| Phone:\                           | <http://www.banka-celje.si/>\     |
| Fax:\                             | <info@banka-celje.si>             |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **NLB BANKA DOMŽALE d.d.**        | Ljubljanska 62, 1230 Domžale\     |
|                                   | +386 1 724 53 00\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 721 68 21\                 |
| Phone:\                           | http:[//www.banka-domzale.si/\    |
| Fax:\                             | ](http://www.banka-do             |
| Internet:\                        | mzale.si/)<info@banka-domzale.si> |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **BANKA KOPER d.d.**              | Pristaniška 14, 6502 Koper\       |
|                                   | +386 5 666 11 00\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 5 666 20 19\                 |
| Phone:\                           | <http://www.banka-koper.si/>\     |
| Fax:\                             | <info@banka-koper.si>             |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **BANKA SPARKASSE d.d.**          | Cesta v Kleče 15, 1000 Ljubljana\ |
|                                   | +386 1 583 66 66\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 1  583 23 33\                |
| Phone:\                           | <http://www.sparkasse.si/>\       |
| Fax:\                             | <info@sparkasse.si/>              |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **NLB BANKA ZASAVJE d.d.**        | Trg revolucije 25 c, 1420         |
|                                   | Trbovlje\                         |
| Address:\                         | +386 3 562 62 33, +386 3 562 12   |
| Phone:\                           | 33\                               |
| Fax:\                             | +386 3 562 61 93\                 |
| Internet:\                        | <http://www.banka-zasavje.si/>\   |
| E-mail:                           | <info@banka-zasavje.si>           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **BAWAG BANKA d.d.**              | Tivolska cesta 30, 1000           |
|                                   | Ljubljana\                        |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 230 07 00\                 |
| Phone:\                           | +386 1 230 07 50\                 |
| Fax:\                             | [www                              |
| Internet:\                        | .bawag.si](http://www.bawag.si/)\ |
| E-mail:                           | <info@bawag.si>                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **DEŽELNA BANKA SLOVENIJE d.d.**  | Kolodvorska 9, 1000 Ljubljana\    |
|                                   | +386 1 472 71 00\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 472 74 05\                 |
| Phone:\                           | <http://www.dbs.si/>\             |
| Fax:\                             | <info@dbs.si>                     |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **FACTOR BANKA d.d.**             | Tivolska cesta 48, 1000           |
|                                   | Ljubljana\                        |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 230 66 00\                 |
| Phone:\                           | +386 1 230 77 60\                 |
| Fax:\                             | <http://www.factorb.si/>\         |
| Internet:\                        | <info@factorb.si>                 |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **GORENJSKA BANKA, d.d., KRANJ**  | Bleiweisova cesta 1, 4000 Kranj\  |
|                                   | +386 4 208 40 00\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 4 202 15 03, +386 4 202 16   |
| Phone:\                           | 13 <http://www.gbkr.si/>\         |
| Fax:\                             | <info@gbkr.si>                    |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **HYPO ALPE-ADRIA-BANK d.d.**     | Dunajska cesta 117, 1000          |
|                                   | Ljubljana\                        |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 580 40 00\                 |
| Phone:\                           | +386 1 580 40 01\                 |
| Fax:\                             | <http://www.hypo-alpe-adria.si/>\ |
| Internet:\                        | <hypo-bank@hypo.si>               |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **NLB KOROŠKA BANKA d.d.**        | Glavni trg 30,  2380 Slovenj      |
|                                   | Gradec\                           |
| Address:\                         | +386 2 870 42 20\                 |
| Phone:\                           | +386 2 823 81 71\                 |
| Fax:\                             | <http://www.koroska-banka.si/>\   |
| Internet:\                        | <info@koroska-banka.si>           |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **NOVA KREDITNA BANKA MARIBOR     | Ulica Vita Kraigherja 4, 2505     |
| d.d.**                            | Maribor\                          |
|                                   | +386 2 229 22 90\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 2 252 43 33, +386 2 252 43   |
| Phone:\                           | 71\                               |
| Fax:\                             | [http://www.nkbm.si\              |
| Internet:\                        | ](h                               |
| E-mail:                           | ttp://www.nkbm.si/)<info@nkbm.si> |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **NOVA LJUBLJANSKA BANKA d.d.**   | Trg republike 2, 1520 Ljubljana\  |
|                                   | +386 1 425 01 55, +386 1 476 39   |
| Address:\                         | 00\                               |
| Phone:\                           | +386 1 252 24 22, +386 1 252 25   |
| Fax:\                             | 00 <http://www.nlb.si/>\          |
| Internet:\                        | <info@nlb.si>                     |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **POŠTNA BANKA SLOVENIJE d.d.** - | Ulica Vita Kraigherja 5,   2000   |
| bančna skupina Nove Kreditne      | Maribor\                          |
| banke Maribor d.d.                | +386 2 228 82 00\                 |
|                                   | +386 2 228 82 10\                 |
| Address:\                         | <http://www.pbs.si/>\             |
| Phone:\                           | <info@pbs.si>                     |
| Fax:\                             |                                   |
| Internet:\                        |                                   |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **PROBANKA d.d.**                 | Svetozarevska ulica 12,   2000    |
|                                   | Maribor\                          |
| Address:\                         | +386 2 252 05 00\                 |
| Phone:\                           | +386 2 252 05 78\                 |
| Fax:\                             | <http://www.probanka.si/>\        |
| Internet:\                        | <info@probanka.si>                |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **RAIFFEISEN KREKOVA BANKA d.d.** | Slomškov trg 18, 2000 Maribor\    |
|                                   | +386 2 229 31 00\                 |
| Address:\                         | +386 2 252 22 61, +386 2 252 35   |
| Phone:\                           | 02\                               |
| Fax:\                             | <http://www.r-kb.si/>\            |
| Internet:\                        | <info@r-kb.si>                    |
| E-mail:                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **SKB BANKA d.d. LJUBLJANA**      | Ajdovščina 4, 1513 Ljubljana\     |
|                                   | +386 1 433 21 32, +386 1 471 51   |
| Address:\                         | 00\                               |
| Phone:\                           | +386 1 231 45 49\                 |
| Fax:\                             | [http://www.skb.si/\              |
| Internet:\                        | ](ht                              |
| E-mail:                           | tp://www.skb.si/)<skb.net@skb.si> |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **SID - SLOVENSKA IZVOZNA IN      | Ulica Josipine Turnograjske 6,    |
| RAZVOJNA BANKA, d.d., LJUBLJANA** | Ljubljana                         |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | +386 1 200 75 00                  |
|                                   |                                   |
| Address:\                         | +386 1 200 75 75                  |
| Phone:\                           |                                   |
| Fax:\                             | [http://                          |
| Internet:\                        | www.sid.si/](http://www.sib.si/)\ |
| E-mail:                           | [info@sid.si](mailto:sib@sib.si)  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **VOLKSBANK - LJUDSKA BANKA       | Dunajska cesta 128 a,   1101      |
| d.d.**                            | Ljubljana\                        |
|                                   | +386 1 530 74 00, +386 1 530 74   |
| Address:\                         | 02                                |
| Phone:\                           |                                   |
| Fax:\                             | +386 1 530 75 55\                 |
| Internet:\                        | <http://www.volksbank.si/>\       |
| E-mail:                           | <banka@volksbank.si>              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Current link of banks operating in Slovenia:
<http://www.bsi.si/en/banking-and-commercial-sector.asp?MapaId=668>

Bank holidays in Slovenia:
<http://www.zbs-giz.si/eng/banking_sector/banHol.htm>

## Project Financing [**Return to top**](#ch7)

Project financing is slowly developing as a form of financing of larger
scale construction projects. Many experts have discovered that Slovenia
is lagging significantly behind the EU average as far as project
financing of public infrastructure is concerned. Usually, public
infrastructure projects come with state financial guarantees to the
contractors, which is a partial reason for undeveloped project
financing. Another reason for this situation is lack of public private
partnerships (PPP), which often drive project financing in other
countries. Involvement of private capital in public infrastructure
projects in Slovenia is very rare.

Project financing for the private sector is somewhat more evolved.
Slovene banks offer project financing services for construction and
development projects. Under this program, the banks offer up to 70%
financing (30% of the project cost is usually required from the
investor's own sources). The banks also offer (in some cases demand)
advisory services pertaining to Slovene regulations on building and
sales of real estate as well as transfer of ownership of any mortgaged
real estate. For transparency reasons, banks often require investors to
establish a separate company and bank account that will manage the
project and through which all cash flows pertaining to the project are
funneled. As collateral, the bank usually requires a mortgage on the
real estate being developed.

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch7)

Export-Import Bank of the United States:
[http://www.exim.gov](http://www.exim.gov/)

Country Limitation Schedule:
<http://www.exim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html>

OPIC: [http://www.opic.gov](http://www.opic.gov/)

Trade and Development Agency: <http://www.tda.gov/>

SBA\'s Office of International Trade: <http://www.sba.gov/oit/>

USDA Commodity Credit Corporation:
<http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc/default.htm>

U.S. Agency for International Development:
[http://www.usaid.gov](http://www.usaid.gov/)

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch8 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 8: Business Travel

-   [Business Customs](#business-customs-return-to-top)

-   [Travel Advisory](#travel-advisory-return-to-top)

-   [Visa Requirements](#visa-requirements-return-to-top)

-   [Telecommunications](#telecommunications-return-to-top)

-   [Transportation](#transportation-return-to-top)

-   [Language](#language-return-to-top)

-   [Health](#health-return-to-top)

-   [Local Time, Business Hours and
    Holidays](#local-time-business-hours-and-holidays-return-to-top)

## Business Customs [**Return to top**](#ch8)

During the period of socialism, the former Yugoslav federation was not a
fully integrated part of the Eastern bloc. It had a unique
\"self-management\" economic system where management decisions were made
at the firm level and frequently reflected market responsiveness. As a
result, Slovenian business managers are quite familiar with
market-based, Western-style economic philosophies and customs.

The management style in Slovenia tends to concentrate decision-making at
the senior levels. The delegation of authority in companies is
relatively poor. Thus, in principle, a negotiation should not be
considered concluded until confirmed by the general manager or a clearly
acknowledged decision maker. Slovenes place a premium on personal
contacts and correspondence and visits play significant roles in the
conducting business. Clarity and continuity in communication are
important.

## Travel Advisory [**Return to top**](#ch8)

No travel advisories have been issued for Slovenia.

## Visa Requirements [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Visas for U.S. citizens are not necessary for visits lasting less than
three months. A visa to remain in Slovenia for an extended period of
time must be applied for outside of the country. An entry visa for the
purpose of work, education, training, or other professional activity can
be obtained at any Slovenian Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the
United States should be advised that security options are handled via an
interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links.

State Department Visa Website: <http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html>

United States Visas.gov: <http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/>

## Telecommunications [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Slovenia has efficient postal and telephone services. Fax machines are
widely used. E-mail is widely available. Telephone calling card services
are not available in-country and long-distance charges tend to be high,
even by European standards. In many areas only pulse telephone lines are
available, though tone-dialing availability is increasing.

The dialing code for Slovenia is 386, followed by the appropriate area
code: Ljubljana (1), Maribor (2), Celje (3), Kranj (4), and Nova Gorica
(5). Codes for GSM mobile phones are 31, 40, 41, 51. When dialed within
Slovenia, the codes are 031, 040, 041, and 051 followed by a six-digit
telephone number. To dial internationally from Slovenia, you must dial
00 plus the country code.

Mobile telephony is widespread. Every business person has a mobile phone
and many companies also have a general (reception/information desk)
mobile number, because calling from mobile phone to a stationary line is
substantially more expensive than calling mobile-to-mobile phone.

Directory assistance is 1188.

## Transportation [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Ljubljana is accessible by air. Ljubljana-Brnik is an international
airport located 27 kilometers (approx. 17 miles) outside of the capital
city. The airport is serviced by the national carrier, Adria Airways (a
Star Alliance member), as well as other international airlines including
Austria Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, JAT Airways, Malev, Air France,
and EasyJet. (More info on Airport Ljubljana at
<http://www.lju-airport.si/eng/default.asp> )

Slovenia's transportation system is very good. Highways connect most
cities and numerous border crossings into neighboring countries are
easily accessible. Air travel within Slovenia is not available, but is
not necessary given the small size of the country. Rail is a popular and
convenient form of travel. Major cities in Slovenia have efficient
public transportation systems, relying mainly on buses and taxis.
Tokens, called zetons, used on buses can be purchased at newspaper
stands or post offices. Bus fares can also be paid in cash at a somewhat
higher rate. Taxi service is readily available at designated taxi stands
or can be requested by telephone.

## Language [**Return to top**](#ch8)

The official language in Slovenia is Slovene, a southern Slavic language
with some resemblance to Croatian and Serbian. Slovene is written in the
standard Roman alphabet with a few additional letters. Most businessmen
in Slovenia speak at least one foreign language, English being the most
common. German is also useful in some parts of the country and Italian
is sometimes spoken in the Italian border area. When necessary,
translators can be hired at the Slovene Association of Conference
Interpreters (phone: +386(0)41-648-416, email: info@zdruzenje-kts.si)

## Health [**Return to top**](#ch8)

There is no a needed immunization or special health concerns related to
Slovenia.

## Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Local time is GMT + 1

Daylight savings time is between March 25^th^ and October 28^th^, 2007.

To check local time at this moment, click on
<http://www.buyusa.gov/slovenia/en/>

#### Slovenian Holidays in 2007

Jan 1 and 2 (Sun/Mon) - New Year's Day

Feb 8 (Thur) - Slovenian Cultural Day

April 9 (Mon) - Easter Monday

April 27 (Fri) - Resistance Day

May 1 and 2 (Tue/Wed) - Labor Day

Jun 25 (Mon) - Day of Slovene Sovereignty

Aug 15 (Tue) - Assumption Day

Oct 31 (Wed) - Reformation Day

Nov 1 (Thur) - All Saints' Day

Dec 25 (Tue) - Christmas Day

Dec 26 (Wed) - Independence Day

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade Events

-   [Contacts](#contacts-return-to-top)

-   [Market Research](#market-research-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Events](#trade-events-return-to-top)

-   [Web resources](#web-resources-return-to-top-4)

## Contacts [**Return to top**](#chapter-9-contacts-market-research-and-trade-events)

#### U.S. and Country Contacts

**Embassy of the United States of America**

Ambassador Thomas B. Robertson

Colleen E. Hyland, Political/Economic/Commercial Chief

Julianna Kim, Economic/Commercial Officer

Matjaz Kavcic, Senior Economic/Commercial Specialist

Spela Falatov, Economic/Commercial Specialist

Prešernova ulica 31, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-200-5500

Fax: +386-1-200-55-29, 200-5555

Web site: [www.usembassy.si](http://www.usembassy.si/),
[www.buyUSA.gov/slovenia/en](http://www.buyUSA.gov/slovenia/en)

**Multilateral Development Bank Operations**

**International Trade Administration**

U.S. Department of Commerce

Ronald Reagan Building, Mezzanine Level, Washington, DC20230

Phone: (202) 482-3399

Fax: (202) 482-3914

email:
[MDBO.banks@mail.doc.gov](http://www.mac.doc.gov/eebic/finangov/mldb.html)

**U.S. Department of Agriculture**

Foreign Agricultural Service

Trade Assistance and Promotion Office

Phone: (202) 720-7420

Web site: [www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/)

Regional representative office (U.S. Embassy Vienna)

Quintin Gray, Agricultural Counselor

Phone: +43 (1) 313 39 2364

Fax: +43 (1) 310 8208

Sarah Hanson, Agricultural Attaché

Email: <Sarah.Hanson@fas.usda.gov>

**U.S. Department of Commerce**

Cherie L. Rusnak, Desk Officer for Slovenia

Washington, D.C. 20230

Phone: (202) 482-5277

Fax: (202) 482-4505

Email: Cherie_Rusnak@ita.doc.gov

#### 

#### Business Associations

**American Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia**

Mr. Janez Moder, Secretary General

Pod hribom 55, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-581-6285

Fax: +386-1-581-6111

E-mail: <office@amcham.si>

**JAPTI -- Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investment**

Mr. Peter Jesovnik, Director

Dunajska 156, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-3-42-53-150

Fax: +386-3-42-51-180

Email: <zare.tomsic@japti.si>

Web site: <http://www.japti.si/index.php?root=4>

**Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry**

Mr. Samo Hribar Milic, President

Dimičeva 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-5898-000

Fax: +386-1-5898-100

Email: <infolink@gzs.si>

Web site: [www.gzs.si](http://www.gzs.si/)

<http://www.gzs.si/eng/>

#### Slovene Government

**Bank of Slovenia**

Governor Marko Kranjec

Slovenska 35, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-471-9000

Fax: +386-1-251-5516

Web site: [www.bsi.si](http://www.bsi.si/)

**Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia**

Mr. Samuel Žbogar, Ambassador

1525 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

Phone: (202) 667-5363

Fax: (202) 667-4563

**Institute for Macroeconomic Analysis and Development**

Dr. Bostjan Vasle, Director

Gregorčičeva 27, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-1012

Fax: +386-1-478-1070

Email: <gp.umar@gov.si>

Web site: <http://www.gov.si/zmar/aindex.php>

**Ljubljana Stock Exchange**

Dr. Marko Simoneti, President of the Management Board

Slovenska 56, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-471-0211

Fax: +386-1-471-0213

Web site:
<http://www.ljse.si/cgi-bin/jve.cgi?doc=1468&sid=fKNCD6E75CqX6FUi>

Email: <info@ljse.si>

**Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food**

Minister Iztok Jarc

Dunajska 56-58, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-9102

Fax: +386-1-478-9013

Web: <http://www.mkgp.gov.si/index.php?id=576&L=1>

Phytosanitary Department

Mrs. Katarina Groznik, Department Head

Einspielerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386 1 3094 379

Fax: +386 1 3094 335

Web: <http://www.furs.si/en/Index.asp>

Veterinary Administration

Dr. Vida Cadonic Spelic,. Chief Veterinary Officer

Dr. Simona Salamon, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer

Parmova 53, 1000 Ljubljana

Phone: + 386 1 300 13 00, +386 1 300 13 15

Fax: +386 1 30 15 57

Web: <http://www.vurs.gov.si/>

Email: <vurs@gov.si>

**Ministry of Culture**

Mr. Vasko Simoniti , Minister

Maistrova 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-36-95-00

Fax: +386-1-36-95-01

Web site: <http://www.kultura.gov.si/>

Email: <gp.mk@gov.si>

**Ministry of Defense**

Mr. Karl Viktor Erjavec, Minister

Vojkova 55, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-471-22-11

Fax: +386-1-471-29-78

Web: <http://www.mors.si/?id=home&L=1>

Email: <glavna.pisarna@mors.si>

**Ministry of the Economy**

Mr. Andrej Vizjak, Minister

Kotnikova 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-400-3311

Fax: +386-1-400-1031

Web: <http://www.mg.gov.si/en/>

Email: gp.mg@gov.si

**Ministry of Education and Sport**

Dr. Milan Zver, Minister

Kotnikova 38, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-42-00

Fax: +386-1-478-43-29

Web: <http://www.mss.gov.si/index.php?id=55&L=1>

Email: gp.mss@gov.si

**Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology**

Mojca Kucler Dolinar, Minister

Trg OF 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-47-08

Fax: +386-1-478-47-23

Web: <http://www.mvzt.gov.si/index.php?id=94&L=1>

Email: <gp.mvzt@gov.si>

**Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning**

Dr. Janez Podobnik, Minister

Dunajska 48, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-7400

Fax: +386-1-478-7422

Web: http://www.mop.gov.si/

Email: gp.mop@gov.si

**Ministry of Finance**

Dr. Andrej Bajuk, Minister

Zupančičeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-369-66-31

Fax: +386-1-369-66-59

Web site: <http://www.gov.si/mf/angl/index.htm>

Email: <gp.mf@gov.si>

**Ministry of Foreign Affairs**

Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, Minister

Zupančičeva 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-2000

Fax: +386-1-478-2341

Web site: <http://www.mzz.gov.si/index.php?id=6&L=2>

Email: info.mzz@gov.si

**Ministry of Health**

Zofija Mazej Kukovic, Minister

Štefanova 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-6001

Fax: +386-1-478-6058

Web: <http://www.mz.gov.si/index.php?id=670&L=1>

Email: <gp.mz@gov.si>

**Ministry of the Interior**

Mr. Dragutin Mate, Minister

Štefanova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-432-51-25

Fax: +386-1-251-43-30

Web site: <http://www.mnz.gov.si/index.php?id=2049&L=1>

Email: gp.mnz@gov.si

**Ministry of Justice**

Dr. Lovro Šturm, Minister

Zupančičeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-369-52-00

Fax: +386-1-369-57-83

Web site: <http://www.mp.gov.si/index.php?id=717&L=1>

Email: gp.mp@gov.si

**Ministry of Labor, Family and Social Affairs**

Ms. Marjeta Cotman, Minister

Kotnikova 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-369-7700

Fax: +386-1-369-7832

Web: <http://www.mddsz.gov.si/>

Email: gp.mddsz@gov.si

**Ministry of Transport**

Mr. Radovan Zerjav, Minister

Langusova 4, 1000 Ljubljana

Phone: +386-1-478-8000

Fax: +386-1-478-8139

Web: http://www.mzp.gov.si/en/

Email: gp.mzp@gov.si

**National Customs Administration**

Mr. Franc Košir, Director

Šmartinska 55, 1523 Ljubljana

Phone: +386-1-478-38-00

Fax: +386-1-478-39-00

Email: <carina@gov.si>

Web site: <http://carina.gov.si/index.htm>

**Office for Protection of Competition**

Mr. Andrej Plahutnik, Director

Kotnikova 28, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-3597

Fax: +386-1-478-3608

Web: <http://www.sigov.si/uvk/index_eng.php>

Email: uvk.mg@gov.si

**Office for Protection of Intellectual Property (SIPO)**

Dr. Biserka Strel, Director

Kotnikova 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-3154

Fax: +386-1-478-3110

Web: <http://www.uil-sipo.si/index.php?id=lang>

Email: <sipo@uil-sipo.si>

**Slovenian Export and Development Bank -- SID Bank**

Mr. Sibil Svilan, President

Ul. Josipine Turnograjske 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-200-75-00

Fax: +386-1-200-75-75

Web: http://www.sid.si/sidang.nsf

Email: info@sid.si

**Standards and Metrology Institute**

Mr. Bogdan Topič, Director

Smartinska 140, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-478-3013

Fax: +386-1-478-3094

Web: http://www.sist.si/eng/g1/g1.htm

Email: sist@sist.si

**Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia**

Ms. Irena Krizman, Director

Vožarski pot 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-241-5104

Fax: +386-1-241-5344

Web site:
[http://www.stat.si/eng/index.asp](http://www.stat.si/index.asp)

Email: <info.stat@gov.si>

#### 

#### Audit/Accounting 

[PricewaterhouseCoopers d.d.]{.underline}

Mr. Francois Mattelaer, director

Parmova 53, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-4750-100

Fax: +386-1-4750-109

Web:
<http://www.pwcglobal.com/Extweb/home.nsf/docid/30715A716318F25080256E4A00587E3B>

[Deloitte & Touche revizija d.o.o.]{.underline} (audit company)

Mr. Yuri Sidorovich

Dunajska cesta 9, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-307-2800

Fax: +386-1-307-2900

Web:
[http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/home/0,1044,sid%253D10307,00.html](http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/home/0,1044,sid%253D10307,00.html )

[Deloitte & Touche svetovanje d.o.o.]{.underline} (consulting company)

Mr. Peter Grasek

Dunajska cesta 9, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-307-2800

Fax: +386-1-307-2900

Email: [pgrasek@deloitte.com](mailto:pgrasek@deloitte.com )

[KPMG Slovenija d.o.o]{.underline}. Audit and Tax Advisory Service

Mr. Marjan Mahnic

Zelezna cesta 8, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-420-11-60

Fax: +386-1-420-11-58

Email:
[kpmg.lj@kpmg.si](mailto:kpmg.lj@kpmg.si?subject=Poizvedba iz Rumenih Strani)

Web: <http://www.kpmg.si/index.thtml/>

## Market Research [**Return to top**](#chapter-9-contacts-market-research-and-trade-events)

To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service
please go to the following website:
[http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html](http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html )
and click on Country and Industry Market Reports.

Please note that these reports are only available to U.S. citizens and
U.S. companies. Registration to the site is required, but free of
charge.

Companies that perform market research in Slovenia:

AC Nielsen d.o.o.

Cesta na Brdo 10a, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Phone: +386-1-242-7520

Fax: +386-1-242-7514

Web:
[http://www2.acnielsen.com/profile/profile_SI/index.php?landid=74](http://www.acnielsen.com/)

Email: <tina.kerstein@acnielsen.siol.net>

RM PLUS d.o.o.

Svetozarevska ulica 10/III.

2000 Maribor

Phone: +386 2 234 25 21

Fax: +386 2 252 37 83

Director: Žnuderl Branko

Web: [http://www.rmplus.si](http://www.rmplus.si/)

MIT Marketing

Mr. Marko Korač, President

Koseska cesta 8, 1000 Ljubljana

Phone: +386-1-92-35

Fax: +386-1-92-44

Web: <http://www.mit-marketing.si/>

FRONTAL, d.o.o. DRUŽBA ZA KOMUNIKACIJSKI MANAGEMENT

Plese 9A

9000 Murska Sobota

Phone: +386 2 530 82 02

Faks: +386 2 530 82 03

Director: Magdič Kristjan

Web: [http://www.frontal.si](http://www.frontal.si/)

CATI d.o.o.

Tržaška cesta 2

1000 Ljubljana

Phone: +386 1 241 00 72

Faks: +386 1 421 19 70

Director: Cvetko Uroš

Web: <http://www.cati.si/eng/index.html>

FIT MEDIA d.o.o.

Bežigrajska cesta 9

3000 Celje

Phone: +386 3 426 67 00

Fax: +386 3 426 67 02

Director: Volfand Jože

Web: <http://www.fitmedia.si/>

GFK GRAL - ITEO d.o.o.

Kotnikova ulica 28

1000 Ljubljana

Phone: +386 1 472 08 00

Fax: +386 1 472 08 34

Director: Tavčar Rudi

Web: <http://www.gfk.si/eng/index.php>

PRISTOP d.o.o., LJUBLJANA

Trubarjeva cesta 79

1000 Ljubljana

Phone: +386 1 239 12 00

Fax: +386 1 239 12 10

Director: Razpet Aleš

Web: [http://www.pristop.si](http://www.pristop.si/)

AGENCIJA NET d.o.o.

Stara cesta 23

1360 Vrhnika

Phone: +386 1 750 48 46

Fax: +386 1 750 54 73

Director: Zajc Tomaž

Web: [http://www.agencijanet.si](http://www.agencijanet.si/)

CONTEX NOVI d.o.o.

Blatnica 1

1236 Trzin

Phone: +386 1 530 46 30

Fax: +386 1 530 46 36

Director: Konstanjšek Tomo

KGK CELJE d.o.o.

Gosposka ulica 3/1

3000 Celje

Phone: +386 3 490 14 70

Fax: +386 3 490 14 70

Director: Klinar Bojan

MARKETING MANAGER Perko Slavko s.p.

Ulica Ane Galetove 4

1290 Grosuplje

Phone: +386 1 786 20 14

Fax: +386 1 786 20 14

Director: Perko Slavko

SEPIK Fajs Sonja s.p.

Orehovica 19

8310 Šentjernej

Phone: +386 7 307 10 88

Director: Fajs Sonja

SVETOVANJE Olenšek Vlado s.p.

Zavrh nad Dobrno 21D

3204 Dobrna

Phone: +386 3 577 89 57

Fax: +386 3 577 89 57

Director: Olenšek Vlado

## Trade Events [**Return to top**](#chapter-9-contacts-market-research-and-trade-events)

For a listing of all fairs in 2007 in Slovenia, visit this web site
<http://www.gzs.si/sejmi/zadetki.asp?koda=MAT>

Fair grounds that organize trade shows:

Ljubljana Fair Grounds: <http://www.ljubljanafair.com/>

List of events: <http://www.ljubljanafair.com/fairs/>

Celje Fair grounds: <http://www.ce-sejem.si/index.php?cid=0_0_0&l=1>

List of events: <http://www.ce-sejem.si/show_sejmi.php?cid=1_2007&l=1>

Portoroz: <http://www.internautica.net/>

Gornja Ragdona: <http://www.pomurski-sejem.si/ang-kzs/kzs.htm>

Please click on the link below for information on upcoming trade events.

<http://www.export.gov/tradeevents.html>

## Web resources [**Return to top**](#chapter-9-contacts-market-research-and-trade-events)

[www.poslovniportal.si](http://www.poslovniportal.si/)

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch10 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services

The U.S. Commercial Service offers customized solutions to help your
business enter and succeed in markets worldwide. Our global network of
trade specialists will work one-on-one with you through every step of
the exporting process, helping you to:

-   Target the best markets with our world-class research

-   Promote your products and services to qualified buyers

-   Meet the best distributors and agents for your products and services

-   Overcome potential challenges or trade barriers

For more information on the services the U.S. Commercial Service offers
U.S. businesses, please click on the link below.

(Insert link to Products and Services section of local buyusa.gov
website here.)

[Return to table of contents](#section)

# 

U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or
country-specific commercial information should consult with their
nearest **Export Assistance Center** or the **U.S. Department of
Commerce\'s Trade Information Center** at **(800) USA-TRADE**, or go to
the following website: [http://www.export.gov]()\
\
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report
is accurate as of the date published. However, **The Department of
Commerce** does not take responsibility for actions readers may take
based on the information contained herein. Readers should always conduct
their own due diligence before entering into business ventures or other
commercial arrangements. **The Department of Commerce** can assist
companies in these endeavors.

[^1]: Dec 2005 official exchange rate = \$1.186/Euro

[^2]: All USD amounts have been calculated at 0.769 Euro/\$.