Savinjska is a region with above average industrial development for Slovenia. In the last two years the number of companies in the region has increased, and unemployment has fallen by 24.5 per cent. This is the summary of the second visit to Savinjska region given by the PM at an afternoon press conference in Štore.
(Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)
Today's visit to the region of Celje, as the local people call it, began with a morning meeting in Rogaška Slatina at which the cabinet discussed which of the projects agreed upon in September 2005 when the government first visited the region have been realised. They also focused on new development opportunities and expressed their satisfaction at the fact that the region has progressed, which is supported by statistical data. It currently ranks fourth in the country in terms of development, and the number of the companies has significantly increased.
The PM then visited the GKN Driveline Slovenija company in Zreče, which manufactures components enabling the transmission of power from engines to wheels. The host took him on a tour of the company and outlined its development, On this occasion the PM congratulated the company on their boldness and courage with regard to the firm’s development. Together with the Minister of the Economy he presented the possibilities for co-financing direct foreign investments, which are available in an open call organised by the Ministry of the Economy. They also exchanged views on staffing and education, which follow the needs of business in a certain area.
The PM Janez Janša and Director of GKN Driveline Slovenija, Andrej Poklič, touring the company (Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)
In the afternoon the PM and the Minister of Justice, Dr Lovro Šturm, visited the seat of the Diocese of Celje and met the Bishop of Celje, Dr Anton Stres. They discussed the preservation of cultural monuments, as the Church owns many, and some other outstanding issues. The PM expressed interest in the work of the diocese, which was established last April.
(Photo: Arsen Perić / Salomon 2000)
At a meeting with the press the PM presented information which shows that the region has progressed in the last two years. "The statistics, which do not yet include the promising data for this year, show that the region has maintained fourth place in terms of development, while we can expect an improvement in the next few years, given the potential and rate of development in the region today."
According to the PM, this visit was even more intensive than the one two years ago, as the government team attended over eighty different meetings and talks. The PM stressed that the third development axis is one of the key future projects. "Two years ago this project was only a rumour, and now it is an official project included in the Resolution on National Development Projects, which has a financial plan, and we are currently looking for a route," said PM Janša. According to the PM, health and spa tourism plays an important role in the region. The local municipalities successfully draw on European Funds and have acquired 14.3 million euros for 808 projects. He said the good practice should continue, as the results are already visible.
(Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)
The PM also said that the new Financing of Municipalities Act will bring benefits to the municipalities of the region, and a further 12 millions euros annually, while their own income will increase by 12.5 per cent. He also mentioned regionalisation, saying that the new region would comprise 23 municipalities, which will make it one of the bigger regions according to size and population, which is a development advantage. The inhabitants will decide on the name, whether it is called Savinjska or Celjska, and the government will respect their decision.
(Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)
In the late afternoon the PM attended a meeting with mayors, business representatives and other regional stakeholders in Podčetrtek. He outlined the government's findings during this visit and stressed that the government will focus on the development opportunities which are abundant in this region.
At the end of their two-day visit to Savinjska, the government team played against a team of local politicians and businessmen in a charity football match. The government won 3:1.
Already the previous day the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša together with some ministers visited the company KIV Vransko and Dat-Con from Polzela (more about the event)
