„Business Network Carinthia - Slovenia“

New prospects
Our neighbouring state Slovenia’s entry into the European Union on 1 May 2004 is opening brand new prospects to entrepreneurs in the business region Carinthia-Slovenia, not only as far as business is concerned, but also of a good neighbourly nature. The abolition of customs formalities, the harmonisation of competitive conditions, the improved ways of co-operating with one another, the abolition of trade barriers and the improved legal security for making investments make it easier for Carinthian entrepreneurs to expand their business activities to Slovenia or to become active directly on site. Needless to say the same applies for Slovenian SMEs.

Together with the Interreg III A project Business Network Carinthia-Slovenia, the Carinthian Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Kärnten) is encouraging economic linkages between Carinthian and Slovenian enterprises by providing a network of experts based in both countries; in its centre a special co-ordination and information office has been set up at the Carinthian Economic Chamber. Offering not only specific information and market data but also specific consultation services and facts and figures researched for individual businesses, this network should make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to take the step across the border.

Extension of the domestic market
In collaboration with the Slovenian Chamber of Economy and a number of other project partners, the Business Network Carinthia-Slovenia seeks to stimulate the interest of entrepreneurs, in particular of SMEs, in the »extended domestic market«. The business region Carinthia-Slovenia has a homogenous economic structure with a notable share (more than 90 per cent) of small enterprises. Primarily small companies should be able to recognise the business and market potential and strengthen their competitiveness by engaging in various forms of company co-operation and strategic collaboration with business partners based in the neighbouring region.