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EBRD president visits Slovenia
Arrives in Ljubljana to reiterate support, emphasise need for investment
In his first trip to Slovenia as President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Jean Lemierre will today meet with senior government officials, including President Milan Kucan, Prime Minister Janez Drnovšek and Finance Minister Anton Rop (the EBRD's Governor), as well as leading members of the business community, to discuss the country's investment climate and the role the EBRD play in assisting its ongoing transition and eventual accession to the European Union.
"The Slovenian economy has demonstrated an impressive rate of growth, and is one of the most advanced transition countries in the region," Mr Lemierre said. As Slovenia prepares for accession to the EU, it still faces many challenges, he added. In particular, emphasis should be placed on attracting more investment, including greenfield investments, as well as restructuring and developing the local enterprise sector, and improving infrastructure using innovative schemes. In the short term, the EBRD will support the privatisation of the Slovene financial sector, a key step in the country's full integration as a developed economy.
In his meeting with President Kucan, Mr Lemierre will reiterate the EBRD's commitment to the region and emphasise the Bank's willingness to assist Slovenia in integrating its industries with international investors, which should help ensure sustainable growth and Slovenia's accession to the EU.
Mr Lemierre, who will be accompanied by Bernard Snoy, the Bank's Executive Director for Slovenia, Belgium and Luxembourg, will also express the EBRD's continuing support for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovenia, through tailor-made credit lines to local banks and venture capital funds, which are essential for economic growth and stability in all countries.
To date, the EBRD, the single largest investor in the country, has signed projects amounting to €384.7 million, with 47 per cent in the public sector and 53 per cent in the private sector.
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