Vietnam and Slovenia hold substantial potential for expanding cooperation across various domains, including labour, tourism, logistics, and the import and export of agricultural products. This was emphasized by Ales Cantarutti, former General Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS).
Cantarutti recalled that around eight years ago, while serving as the State Secretary in charge of the economy, the Slovenian government identified Vietnam as a key market outside the European Union (EU). This led to the development of a strategic action plan aimed at strengthening economic ties between Slovenian and Vietnamese businesses. A Slovenian business delegation's visit to Vietnam during this period laid the groundwork for exploring collaborative opportunities in logistics, trade, tourism, and especially in two-way import and export.
A significant milestone in bilateral relations was the establishment of the Intergovernmental Committee for Economic Cooperation, which Cantarutti described as a crucial platform for resolving complex issues between the ministries and business communities of both nations. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam remains a focal point in the strategic expansion plans of Slovenian businesses aiming to penetrate the Asian market.
Slovenia views Vietnam as a gateway to Asia, leveraging its strategic location and growing economy to facilitate Slovenian entry into the broader region. Conversely, Slovenia's EU membership offers Vietnamese businesses a pathway to access a consumer market of nearly 450 million people. Post-pandemic, economic cooperation between the two countries has shown signs of recovery, with the CCIS organizing multiple seminars to foster business collaboration and encourage delegation exchanges.
Cantarutti highlighted that many Slovenian companies are actively seeking to deepen partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts. The CCIS has noted Vietnam's appeal as a rapidly developing economy with a young population, presenting lucrative opportunities for both Slovenia and the EU. This favorable perception is bolstered by Vietnam's compatibility with Slovenia compared to other regional economies.
He also emphasized the long-standing friendship and growing awareness among the Slovenian public about Vietnam, which creates a conducive environment for enhancing bilateral cooperation. This foundation is further supported by recent discussions between the CCIS and the Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria and Slovenia regarding the potential recruitment of Vietnamese labourers to address Slovenia’s current labour shortage.
Cantarutti concluded by expressing optimism about the future of Slovenian-Vietnamese economic relations. He underscored the importance of continuous dialogue and collaboration, which will enable businesses from both nations to capitalize on emerging opportunities and forge mutually beneficial contracts. As the global economy recovers, the strategic partnership between Slovenia and Vietnam is poised to deepen, unlocking new avenues for growth and development in both regions.