Ljubljana, 5 October 2023 – The British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, in a significant step towards enhancing bilateral trade relations between the two countries, convened the inaugural meeting of the UK Trade Council. The meeting brought together members of the Chamber and British exporters alongside key stakeholders including the British Embassy in Ljubljana, the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism, and Sport, and the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs. The Council will serve as a platform for exchanging best practices and identifying market access barriers with the aim to bring trade relations onto a next level.

The Council members were welcomed at the headquarters of Riko, a Council member, by the President of the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce Luka Vesnaver, who reaffirmed the Chamber's unwavering commitment to promoting trade and economic cooperation between Slovenia and the UK. Vesnaver highlighted the immense potential of the British market, especially now that the post-EU exit uncertainties are over. In conclusion, he stressed: “Opportunities do not create themselves; we create them”, underscoring the importance of proactive collaboration.

The British Ambassador to Slovenia Tiffany Sadler expressed her appreciation for the establishment of the Council and reflected: "I am delighted at the launch of this Council. Its launch means deepening the ties and business confidence in trade and investment between our two countries. I am encouraged by the positive energy and enthusiasm shown today and I am confident that together we will make progress, unlocking the great potential for the trade relationship."

State Secretary Frangež emphasized that increased trade between the two countries and more British investment in Slovenia can contribute to further growth and productivity of the Slovenian economy. Frangež reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and Slovenia's openness to foreign investment.

The Council members engaged in a productive discussion on identifying opportunities to improve trade relations by addressing market access barriers and the challenges faced by companies. The valuable insights gathered during this inaugural meeting will serve as a guiding framework for further upcoming discussions of the Council. The meeting also saw the election of Klemen Resman from Steklarna Hrastnik, as the Chairman, the confirmation of Azra Begič Milanez from A Tax International as the Expert Facilitator, and Matija Urankar from Law Firm Senica as the Working Chairman.

Photos from the meeting are available here.

List of Council members present:

1. Adria Concessionaires Ltd
2. A Tax International
3. CMS Reich Rohrwig Heinz
4. Elan
5. Ilirika
6. Incom
7. Law Firm Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners
8. Law Firm Senica
9. Law Firm Sibinčič Križanec Novak
10. Lenis farmacevtika
11. Remedis
12. Riko
13. Salus
14. Steklarna Hrastnik
15. Titus Plus
16. Trimo