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EBRD launches new strategy for Slovenia
More than a decade of substantial and continued reforms led Slovenia to
membership in the European Union in May. Yet important challenges lie ahead,
in particular for the country to pursue its economic integration in the EU and
play an active regional role, the EBRD says in its new strategy
for Slovenia.
The Slovene authorities have identified a greater level of competitiveness and
internationalisation as key objectives for the development of the economy.
Challenges include the growth of domestic companies at national and
international level, attracting further foreign direct investment, enhancing
the business climate and fostering the development of small and medium-sized
enterprises and services.
Improved access to long-term finance will create jobs, support diversification
of the economy and help reduce regional disparities. Therefore, the EBRD will
focus on the support of the local corporate sector through equity and
structured finance, including financing of cross-border investments.
The Bank’s priorities as outlined in the strategy are:
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In the enterprise sector, to support the restructuring and expansion of local
companies and share risk with foreign investors. The Bank also stands ready to
support viable privatisations of the remaining state enterprises.
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Besides improving access to long-term finance, in the financial sector, to
support equity funds for regional investment. The Bank supports the
privatisation, restructuring and integration of the banking and insurance
sectors.
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In the infrastructure and environment sector, to facilitate private-sector
involvement in close concert with the EU.
The EBRD has supported 34 projects in Slovenia worth €1.7 billion. It has
recently completed an analysis of
Slovenia’s commercial laws – the first of a series of such analyses
of legal transition across central and eastern Europe.
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