The trip by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), serves to maintain and continue Switzerland's excellent bilateral economic relations with Slovenia. To this end, meetings are planned in Ljubljana with Prime Minister Robert Golob, Economics Minister Matjaž Han and Alexander Jevšek, Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development. Mr Parmelin will visit the research and production facilities of Swiss companies and hold discussions with Swiss business representatives on site.

During his visit, Mr Parmelin will sign the bilateral implementation agreement relating to Switzerland's second contribution (cohesion) to Slovenia. The sum of CHF 16 million earmarked for Slovenia will be invested in a programme to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies.

Strong bilateral economic relations

There has been a positive, dynamic development in trade relations between Switzerland and Slovenia in recent years. In 2024 the total value of goods traded reached a new record of CHF 44 billion (+59.4 %). Slovenia is Switzerland's third-largest trading partner (excluding trade in gold). Swiss exports to Slovenia totalled CHF 26 billion (+68%), while imports amounted to CHF 18 billion (+48%). The remarkable increase in trade is mainly due to strategic initiatives of the Swiss pharmaceutical industry in Slovenia.

Switzerland has been Slovenia's most important trading partner since 2022 and ranks third among foreign investors according to the International Monetary Fund, contributing around 10 per cent of foreign investment.However, the close relations between the two countries go far beyond trade and investment: they also have strong ties in research and education.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to Slovenia