Slovenia business travel information

Doing business in Slovenia

Nowadays, Slovenia is one the best economic performers in central and eastern Europe, with a GDP per capita in 2006 at € 19.200. Slovenia has enjoyed healthy growth figures for the past 8 years, averaging 4% annual GDP growth. The European economic slowdown because of the economic crisis reduced the pace of growth, somewhat, beginning in 2008. GDP grew by just over 5% in 2006.

Slovenia’s success is largely based on pre-existing conditions that positioned the country extremely well for transition. These included a highly educated population, sound infrastructure, and an economy more oriented to the West than most transition countries. These advantages allowed Slovenia to take a more gradual approach to change, avoiding the social strife that much of Central and Eastern Europe experienced during the 1990s. Today, however, Slovenia is faced with growing challenges. Much of the economy remains in state hands and foreign direct investments in Slovenia are among the lowest in the European Union on a per capita basis

Taxes are relatively high, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are showing signs of increasing competitive pressures from China, India, and elsewhere. The current, center-right government, elected in October 2004, pledged to accelerate privatization in a number of large state holdings, but has been slow to move forward on these promises.

This high level of openness makes Slovenia extremely vunerable to economic conditions in its main trading partners and changes in its international price competitiveness. Keeping labor costs in line with productivity is a key challenge for Slovenia’s economic well-being. Services contributed the most to the national output in 2006, accounting for 62% of GDP. Industry and construction comprised almost 35% of GDP; and, agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for just over 2% of GDP.

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In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Slovenia you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

Dial 112 for emergency calls.

When you are in need of medical help you can contact:

Hospital Zaloska
cesta 7
Ljubljana, Slo.
Tel: +386 1522 5050
There are some English-speaking doctors in this hospital.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Slovenia it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Slovenia. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Slovenia to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  Slovenians are not direct, they prefer avoiding confrontations to directness.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Quit some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Slovenian

Slovene, which is closely related to Croat and Czech. Most Slovenes speak German, Hungarian or Italian, with English as a second language.

Although in business people speak English, some Slovenian phrases can always come in hand....

Good day	Dober dan (used from 8:00)
Good morning	Dobro jutro (used until 8:00)
How are you?	Kako se imate?
I’m fine, thanks. And you?	Dobro, hvala, in vi?
My name is ...	Ime mi je ...
Pleased to meet you	Me veseli
Good evening	Dober večer
Good night	Lahko noč
Goodbye	Na svidenje
Cheers/Good health!	Na zdravje!
Have a nice day	Lep dan vam želim!
Bon appetit	Dober tek!
I don’t understand	Ne razumem
Please write it down	Lahko to napišete, prosim?
How do you say ... in Slovenian?	Kako se reče po slovensko ...?
Excuse me/Sorry	Oprostite
How much is this?	Koliko je to?
Thank you	Najlepša hvala
You’re welcome	Ni za kaj
Yes / No	Da / Ne