NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor attends 6th Conference of Slovenian scientists and business people

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today attended the 6th Conference of Slovenian scientists and business people from around the globe organised by the Slovenian World Congress in the National Assembly. "It is in Slovenia’s vital interest that its scientific, technological and development potentials join the global flow of changes," said the Prime Minister in his address.
 
He continued by welcoming the commitment of the Slovenian World Congress and its efforts to promote cooperation and establish links between Slovenian scientists abroad and the national economy. "In these processes, you as reputable and acknowledged Slovenian scientists living and working at home and abroad provide significant support to our country and to all of us," added Mr Pahor.
 

(Foto: Tamino Petelinšek/STA)

 
He also stressed that the Slovenian Government has identified investments in science as one of its key long-term objectives. He continued by adding that some objectives may not be achieved, as they were planned during times of economic expansion, but "in the last year we found fresh ideas and appropriate instruments to substantially increase investments in science and technology, and, above all, managed to ensure efficient use of available resources."
   
In his address, Prime Minister Pahor also touched upon the issue of emigration of qualified staff, which plays a crucial role in the development of science. "At this time, the only question concerns the conditions to be created in Slovenia for individuals with valuable experience to return and work for the benefit of the development of our country," said Mr Pahor and went on to say that it was our duty to do something. He particularly welcomed the idea of "brain circulation", which plays an important role within the framework of the European Union and Bologna Process. The Prime Minister stressed that such an approach provides a sound basis for further strengthening of cooperation between experts working abroad and in their homeland.