In the context of growing geopolitical complexities and fast-changing market dynamics, the internationalization team at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) is focused on strengthening Slovenia’s global economic ties through smart partnerships, the Rainbow Treasure Business Connections model, sustainability-driven innovation, and agile trade strategies. At GZS’s Center for International Business (CEMP), we follow global trade developments closely and tailor the needs of the Slovenian economy to align with both national economic priorities and international trends.

Global Trade Trends and GZS Internationalization Strategy

The global trade environment is currently shaped by three dominant trends: market and supply chain diversification, digital transformation, and the green transition. Resilient supply chains and technological sovereignty are becoming key priorities for many economies.

GZS members’ internationalization strategies reflect these imperatives. As a small and open economy, GZS promotes partnerships in technologically advanced sectors, value-added manufacturing, and green innovation. If we had to choose five words to describe our current trade orientation, they would be: resilience, innovation, digital, sustainability, and strategic partnerships.

Slovenia–China Economic Relations: A Long-Term Perspective

China remains a key trade partner for Slovenia, particularly on the import side. According to the SloExport database, managed by GZS, Slovenia imported over €7.4 billion worth of goods from China in 2023 and €6.9 billion in 2024, a steep rise from around €1.1 billion in 2019. Main imports from China include organic chemical products, electrical machinery and equipment, nuclear reactors and machinery, vehicles, plastics and rubber products, as well as aircraft and spacecraft parts.

In contrast, Slovenia’s exports to China reached €260 million in 2023 and €270 million in 2024. While the trade balance remains asymmetrical, the high value and technological sophistication of Slovenian exports reflect our niche industrial and engineering excellence.

At GZS, we see China not only as a market, but as a potential partner for co-development, research collaboration, and technology integration. The GZS internationalization strategy is evolving to include more business intelligence, targeted matchmaking, and strategic brand-building – and China is an integral component of this plan.

The Slovenian Startup Ecosystem: Agile and Ambitious

Slovenia has become a fertile ground for startups, especially in the IT, deep-tech, clean energy, and biotech sectors. With over 100 active startup support programs and strong public-private collaboration, we are witnessing consistent growth in early-stage innovation ventures.

In cooperation with key stakeholders of the Slovenian startup ecosystem – including GZS’s Section for Startups and Scaleups – the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport (MGTŠ) developed the Slovenian Startup Strategy, officially presented at the PODIM Conference, one of the most influential startup and tech events in the Alps-Adriatic and Western Balkans regions.

The main challenge remains international scaling, where strategic partners such as China can offer support through investment, market access, or joint R&D development. GZS actively encourages dialogue between Slovenian startups and Chinese innovation hubs, particularly in Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing.

The Slovenia–Chinese Business Council: Role and Outlook for 2025

The Slovenia–Chinese Business Council, coordinated by GZS, operates under the umbrella of Rainbow Treasure Business Connections as a formal bilateral platform for promoting trade, investment, and cooperation. As an advisory and operational body, the Council facilitates:

• Business delegation exchanges
• Thematic B2B forums and matchmaking
• Policy dialogue in coordination with ministries and embassies
• Advisory support for market entry and regulatory issues
• Sharing of good practices and bilateral project incubation.

In 2025, the Council will deepen its focus on green technologies, smart industry, automotive, health tech, and tourism services, with joint flagship events, innovation exchange, and a high-level delegation to China in November, escorted by the President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Marko Lotrič.

Slovenia as Guest of Honour at Ningbo Expo: Key Takeaways

Slovenia’s recent role as Guest of Honour at the China–CEEC Expo in Ningbo showcased our innovation capabilities and signaled strong bilateral will for deeper cooperation. The GZS-led delegation, in coordination with the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport (MGTŠ) and agency SPIRIT Slovenia, included over 20 Slovenian companies and institutions.

The Expo proved to be a catalyst for new business relationships and opened dialogue with regional development zones, tech parks, and innovation centres in China. Chinese partners expressed strong interest in Slovenian excellence in precision manufacturing, smart tourism, and sustainable materials.

What stood out most was the mutual trust and long-term mindset: not only trade, but true cooperation in knowledge exchange, innovation transfer, and green industrial transformation. This people-to-people and business-to-business approach remains at the heart of GZS’s long-term strategic vision for Slovenia’s role in Asia.