“Planica” B2D event at the Planica Nordic Centre on 1 February 2023
State Secretary Samuel Žbogar addressing the Business-to-Diplomacy “Planica” event. | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
The participants were addressed by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Samuel Žbogar, Head of Planica Nordic Centre Gabrijel Gros, Vice-Mayor of Kranjska Gora Klavdija Gomboc and Secretary General of the Planica Organising Committee Tomaž Šušteršič.
State Secretary Žbogar underlined the need to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation. In this context, he highlighted Slovenia’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council as an important mission of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The State Secretary pledged support through economic diplomacy, which he described as one of the key pillars of foreign policy, and which would follow the needs of the Slovenian economy and its successful internationalisation to the greatest extent possible. He also highlighted another important task of the Ministry, which is to support and promote the innovative solutions of Slovenian business and research institutions, their knowledge, high-tech skills, products and research.
The ambassadors were also informed about Slovenia’s main achievements in Nordic skiing and the sports industry, as well as the upcoming FIS Nordic World Ski Championship 2023. Following the presentation of the Nordic Centre, the brands Elan – a renowned manufacturer of downhill skis and other sports equipment – and Alpina – Slovenia’s leading manufacturer of sports and fashion footwear – were introduced. The event also included a guided tour of the ski jumping hills and an opportunity to hike through one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs regularly organises Business-to-Diplomacy events to introduce Slovenian companies to the foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Slovenia. The last B2D event “Slovenia in Space”, focusing on the achievements of Slovenian know-how and the excellence of Slovenian companies in the space sector, was held at the beginning of October 2022 at the Noordung Centre in Vitanje. This was followed in November 2022 by the “Traditional Slovenian Breakfast”, organised by the Ministry to draw attention to the importance of quality, locally produced Slovenian food.