Speech delivered by Minister of Economic Development and Technology Radovan Žerjav at a meeting with NEDO President Hideo Hato, held in Ljubljana on 24 October 2012
Distinguished President of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation, Mr Hideo Hato, His Excellency Toshimitsu Ishigure, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Slovenia,
President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia Samo Hribar Milič,
Director General of Slovenian Technology Agency Mateja Mešl,
dear guests from Slovenia and abroad,
It is a great pleasure and honour for me to welcome you on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and on my own behalf.Today is a special day, because after some months of coordination and alignment, an agreement for the exchange of information and cooperation is to be signed between the Japanese organisation for new energy and industrial technology development, NEDO, and the Slovenian Technology Agency.
From Slovenia's standpoint, NEDO is one of the most important institutions in Japan, since its annual investments, in the amount of 1.5 billion euros, strongly shape the Japanese development-investment policy and thus help create the future of this country that is in many ways similar to Slovenia.
For both Slovenia and the European Union, the current global financial and economic crisis provides a sobering lesson and a reminder that it's time for a serious evaluation of our strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
In this context, we should realistically recognise that if it wasn't for the crisis, then perhaps politicians would also not be willing to adapt to the new situation and new challenges.The same is true for enterprises, only that they face global challenges and competition in global markets on a daily basis.
Fortunately, the answers of Japan, the European Union, and Slovenia to these challenges are in fact the same:increased investment in research and development, innovations, an improved business environment and a search for new market opportunities.
NEDO and STA have agreed to cooperate in the field of so-called 'smart communities', which includes a wide variety of activities ranging from smart transport, smart buildings, smart grids to smart services for the inhabitants, and the list goes on.
The agreement also includes two workshops to be held – in the field of smart grid technology and smart buildings.
In both areas, Slovenia has substantial experience, good companies and globally competitive knowledge, both in the private sector as well as in science and higher education.
Investments in research and development have reached their highest level ever.Despite the crisis, R&D expenditure has continued an upward trend since 2007 and, according to the latest statistics, amounts to 746 million euros.This accounts for 2.11 per cent of gross domestic product or 373 euros per capita.Slovenia has thus exceeded the EU average,as a consequence of increased investment of business and public sectors.
Despite the crisis and also because of the crisis, we will, during the 2013–2020 period, largely focus on innovations and research and development activities, which will contribute to faster economic growth and increase the competitiveness of the economic sector.
The extent of R&D tax relief claimed by companies in 2010 and 2011 increased over the previous year.In total, this accounted for net 22 MEUR of direct benefits for enterprises. It should be noted here that the manufacturing sector put forward more projects than the service sector.In 2012, relief doubled and currently amounts to 100 per cent of the investment.Now, it is up to companies to maximise their tax relief.
Like other small countries, Slovenia must focus on areas where we can achieve high added value and on the areas with a critical mass of researchers and enterprises that can convert scientific discoveries back into prosperity.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Technology expects growth, high demand and attractive market opportunities, particularly in areas that are subject to agreement between NEDO and STA.
Cooperation with NEDO should be strategic and long-term.Such are Slovenia's expectations, and I believe that our Japanese counterparts share the same opinion.
Slovenia's presence is established all over the world through our researchers and companies.Geographically, Slovenia is at the crossroads of major trade routes and, historically, also at the crossroads of cultures.These two facts in particular point to the adaptability, determination, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Slovenian nation.
Being aware of Slovenia's small size, we need allies to penetrate the third markets.We need allies that will appreciate our knowledge and experience.We hope and we wish that our cooperation with NEDO will enable Slovenian and Japanese companies to penetrate new markets in the third countries. In some areas, synergies have already been identified and some companies have already been successfully cooperating.
I am convinced that co-operation between NEDO and STA will bring fruitful results and I wish all participants every success in implementing this decision and many creative and feasible ideas for the benefit and satisfaction of both parties.
Thank you for your attention, Arigatou gozaimasu.