Skalar, who is participating at the Russian-Slovenian investment conference where the Slovenian Prime Minister is trying to attract the Russian investors, believes that the Russians are more interested in large shares than in portfolio investments.

According to Skalar they find tourism the most interesting branch, also because a large number of Russian guests can be expected. They are also interested in wood-processing industry, and in some real estate projects.
At the conference with 60 participants, mostly Russian economists, Slovenian Prime Minister underlined two priorities of the Slovenian government: stabilization of the banking system, and endeavours for improvement of economy competitiveness, or managing of state property. Privatization of non-strategic companies is an integral part of that, according to PM.

Skalar sees many opportunities for Slovenian investments in Russia as well, especially in building industry; for a successful approach to such a market our construction companies should come together.
"Our government is very serious about privatisation," claims PM, the proof being the investment conferences themselves - the last one already the fourth in a short period of time. She promised transparent procedures through public tenders, the primary goal being strategic partners for Slovenian companies, with intentions to keep developing them, and with a long-term interest.
Slovenia Russia’s strategic partner in the Balkans
The participants were addressed by the Russian Minister of Mass Communications Nikolai Nikiforov, reminding of warm, friendly relations between Slovenia and Russia. He emphasized Slovenia’s position as Russia’s strategic partner in the Balkans. The central part as far as the economic relations are concerned, according to Nikiforov, belongs to the South Stream Pipeline, but he also mentioned successful investment projects of Krka, Riko, etc. The minister expressed his conviction that the investment conference would deal with all the imaginary obstacles, and that the trade in goods would increase.
Slovenia and Russia have traditionally good economic relation. Last year Russia was the seventh most important trade partner of Slovenia, trade in goods increased by 8.4 percent to 1.24 billion euros. In 2012 Slovenia exported to Russia for 881.2 million euros, and imported from Russia for 362.3 million euros. 395 Slovenian companies exported to Russia, and 200 companies imported from Russia. The largest part of the Slovenian export comprised medicines, while we mostly imported energy sources.