"As China's largest financial centre and the world's largest port, Shanghai represents a great potential for Slovenian exporters. The Port of Koper is extremely keen to remain an important entry point for Chinese products to Europe. Focused on green and boutique destinations, Slovenian tourism is eager to attract more Chinese tourists." These were the main messages conveyed by the Head of Slovenian Diplomacy to the Mayor of Shanghai, a city of some 20 million people.

"Slovenian companies see additional export opportunities in the extremely large Chinese market, which would also reduce the deficit in our trade relations. There is a natural symbiosis between diplomacy and business, and I am delighted that we are helping Slovenian companies to open new doors to enter the Chinese market," the Minister said at the opening of the well-attended Business Forum. Slobodan Šešum, Director-General of the Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, presented Slovenia as a green, creative and smart investment destination, which is also a hub for innovation, science and technology. The Forum, organised in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, offered an opportunity for business executives from both countries to network and hold B2B meetings.

The 71-strong Slovenian business delegation is comprised of representatives of 54 companies from the energy sector, logistics, IT, automotive industry, e-commerce, tourism, pharmaceuticals, wine making and agriculture. In the presence of Chinese Deputy International Trade Representative Ji, contracts were signed between the postal companies of Slovenia and China, companies Cosylab and New Journey Proton Medica Technology, Dormeo and Healthcare, and Mikropis and the Shanghai Homing Swallow Health Tech Group.

Minister Fajon concluded her visit to Shanghai with the opening of the exhibition Plečnik's Ljubljana, which showcases Plečnik's outstanding architectural heritage in the Slovenian capital.