The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, and his team began their visit to Podravje by visiting Impol aluminium processor in Slovenska Bistrica. After two years, the government is visiting this region to see which measures, agreed during their previous visit, have been implemented, and to find out about new development opportunities.

 

(Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)

 

Mr Janša, accompanied by the Minister of the Economy, Andrej Vizjak, and the Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning, Janez Podobnik, and their hosts discussed mergers in aluminium industry, the future of Impol and strategic connections. According to government representatives, the Republic of Slovenia, which owns 41 per cent of the company, is satisfied with the management; however, some attractive options remain to be explored. All agreed that cooperation with Talum from Kidričevo, awaiting privatisation, or corporate synergy could be a development opportunity for Impol.

 

Aluminium industry can become one of the development pillars of Podravje; therefore, the government is in no hurry to sell its stake in Impol. At today's meeting, the government stressed that Impol is one of those illiquid assets, which KAD and SOD will sell in 30 months.

 

The hosts and their guests also exchanged views on the Alureg project, included in the Resolution on National Development Projects 2007-2023 as part of the Oreh business centre. Alureg is to be a centre for the management of light and multifunctional materials, comprising a higher education centre for schooling engineers, a technological park, a high-risk capital fund and Bistrica jug industrial area. The PM supports this investment worth EUR52 million, as it will contribute to accelerated economic and social development of Podravje.

 

Tomorrow the PM and his cabinet will continue their visit by attending a working meeting in Pohorje.