The attendees of the event were also addressed by Minister dr. Helena Jaklitsch, representatives of the Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the VTIS Association, and the Slovenian World Congress, as well as Slovenian businessmen from Austria, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, USA, Canada, France, Israel, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal.

Hereafter is the full speech by the Prime Minister Janez Janša presented to the attendees of the event.

"Dear attendees of the business meeting, dear friends, I am particularly happy to have been given the opportunity to address you at the event today.

At this point when humanity is facing difficult times, cooperation and the exchange of good experiences and practices are key in finding the right answers to the demanding challenges of the times.

Please allow me, in this introduction, to dedicate a few words to the times thirty years ago, when an independent Slovenian state was created. In this historically most important moment for the Slovene nation, Slovenes all over the world made all their abilities and strengths available to their homeland. The homeland had called you and you responded to the call. You were the best ambassadors of the newly emerging country, for which I sincerely thank each and every one of you.

Today, the challenges are different. The world is facing the most challenging crisis since World War II – the coronavirus pandemic. A changed environment requires, in particular, a different way of thinking. And consequently changed behaviour in all areas. Moreover, it requires that we all come together and combine the best we have as individuals, nations, and humanity as a whole.

The Slovenian and global economies are faced with two challenges that imply important long-term and structural changes. The first being the pandemic, and the second the transition to the fourth industrial revolution, or the transition to a "smart, digital, and circular" economy and society. Only countries that succeed in meeting both challenges will ensure long-term successful economic development and the well-being of their citizens. The Slovenian government has been putting a lot of effort into ensuring that Slovenia is up to all the challenges. We are creating a more economy and entrepreneurship-friendly environment. We would greatly appreciate it if those of you who are globally successful also take advantage of the new opportunities in your homeland.

We sincerely express our gratitude to the organisers of today's business event. Such meetings are a valuable source of information. Anyone who has set up a business can confirm that advice, help, or experience from someone who has already walked this path, is invaluable. Let me wish you an interesting and constructive discussion that generates new ideas and brings solutions and answers to the questions of this moment."