By Kris Crismundo/PNA
MANILA — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said Tuesday a delegation from Slovenia will visit the Philippines for a trade and business mission in March 2019.
Lopez said in a statement that the planned visit of Slovenian businessmen was bared during his meeting with Philippine Honorary Consul to Slovenia Srecko Debelak.
In March 2016, government officials and businessmen from Slovenia visited the country for government-to-government and business-to-business meetings to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
During the meeting of Lopez and Debelak, it was noted that Slovenia is an ideal gateway for Philippine products going to Europe as its Port of Koper shortens the trade route to Central and Eastern Europe.
Philippine exports to Slovenia is covered by the European Union Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (EU-GSP+), wherein 6,274 products from the Philippines can enter Slovenia and the rest of the EU at zero-duty.
The country’s export products to Slovenia include prepared tuna, skipjack, bonito, and desiccated coconuts.
“The Philippines considers the European Union, which Slovenia is part of, as a major trade and investment partner. We are happy to hear of this visit and are looking forward to forging more partnerships with Slovenia,” Lopez said.
Bilateral trade between the Philippines and Slovenia reached USD30.24 million, DTI said.
Meanwhile, Slovenian energy firm Solvera Lynx is also looking into opportunities in the country and is offering its energy management software to local industry players.
