On November 10, 2020, the first virtual meeting of Slovenian businesspeople from Brazil and Argentina was held. and other stakeholders operating throughout South America and even broadly.
The Minister for Slovenians Abroad, Dr Helena Jaklitsch, welcomed more than 60 participants with an introductory speech: “This is an important step towards even more intensive networking and cooperation between Slovenian businesspeople living in this part of the world, as well as with Slovenia and Slovenian businesspeople elsewhere in the world.” The Minister thanked the leader and one of the initiators of the project, Dr Štefan Bogdan Barenboim Šalej. She welcomed the founders of the Slovenian Global Business Network: “I am convinced that this will create an excellent network of Slovenian businessmen who will not only cooperate with each other but also help each other open doors to new markets.”
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Directorate for Economy and Public Diplomacy, Mag. Igor Grmek. Minister Dr Jaklitsch, therefore, pointed out: “I believe that together, and especially in close cooperation and networking, everyone, especially you, Slovenian businessmen who operate in Argentina, Brazil and elsewhere in the world, can do a lot of good also for Slovenia – preserving Sloveneness and in the economic field your competitiveness and visibility will result in mutual positive economic effects.”
It is often characteristic of Slovenian companies around the world that they were created as family businesses and over time grew into large and important economic entities in the region where they operate. With their hard work, talents and abilities, as well as proverbial honesty, they paved their way among successful businessmen, while remaining important supporters and pillars of the Slovenian community.
The participants were also greeted by the Slovenian Ambassador to Brazil Gorazd Renčelj and the Slovenian Ambassador to Argentina Alain Brian Bergant. The current situation of the economy in Argentina was outlined by the Honorary Consul of Slovenia in Buenos Aires, Hernán Zupan. Mr Zupan is the representative of HZ Group, one of the leading cardboard packaging companies in the country and globally and he also presented his company. The current economic situation in Brazil was outlined by Matjaž Cokan, President of the Chamber of Commerce Slovenia-Brazil (Slobraz).
In the main part of the meeting, Slovenian businessmen presented their business: OBLAK HNOS presented their business paths, challenges they face in these times and plans for the future. S.A.C.I.F e I. (ARG) – manufacturer of windows and doors; BAJDA S.R.L. (ARG) – engaged in cooperatives, Latitude Consultores Associados (BRA) – financial services, BRIGANTI (ARG) – shoemaking, and Sonitron (BRA) – production of ultrasonic plastic welders.
The complete article in Slovene is available here.