Inviting Indian businesses, Slovenia, a south-east European nation today said it can provide easy access to about 500 million consumers in Europe.
"We cordially invite Indian businesses to approach Slovenia as a gateway to the broader region, as a bridge to Central Europe and Western Balkans," Slovenia Prime Minister HE Borut Pahor said here at a luncheon meeting with industry chambers - CII, Ficci and Assocham.
Pahor said strong commercial contacts in the region, a deep port and an extensive transport network in Slovenia gives easy access to about 500 million consumers in Europe.
He said there is a need to increase economic engagement between the two countries as "(bilateral) trade still remains below its potential".
In 2010, the two-way commerce between India and Slovenia stood at $360.8 million.
Further, the Prime Minister said that his government is making every effort to encourage Slovenian businesses to seek business opportunities in the Indian market.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur said both sides would sign a Bilateral Investment Protection and Investment Agreement, a move which will help in promoting economic and trade ties.
Meanwhile, in the function, an agreement between Fairwood Group and Premogovnik Velenje was singed to provide technical support for coal mining in India.