How can we unlock new business opportunities amid changing global conditions, new industrial policies, and the transformation of supply chains? Representatives from the business community, the automotive industry, and the diplomatic corps, as well as experts on international markets, discussed this topic at the GREMO Business Conference. The focus was on internationalization as a key factor in the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term development of the Slovenian automotive industry.
The Slovenian automotive industry is strongly export-oriented and integrated into global value chains, demonstrating a high degree of flexibility and innovation. Data for the period 2019–2025 show that, at a time when European vehicle production fell by 20 percent, major Slovenian suppliers grew by 23 percent in foreign markets, accompanied by increased productivity and growth in value added per employee.
These encouraging results stem from proactive strategic thinking within the framework of the GREMO Mission on how to strengthen the competitiveness of companies, where—in partnership with the government—we are successfully weathering general trends, while the European automotive industry, which remains our key customer, is now successfully responding to competitive challenges. We are defending and strengthening our competitive advantages through accelerated investments in automation, robotization, and the digitization of processes—supported by artificial intelligence—as well as through breakthrough innovations in products, processes, and materials.
The automotive industry is also focusing in a coordinated and strategic manner on expanding into new markets—both geographically and in terms of products—acquiring new customers, and establishing international partnerships and supply chains. At the same time, this means reducing dependence on existing markets and opens up opportunities for participation in new development and production projects. As a result, we are successfully maintaining and increasing our sales volume and improving our bottom line, which enables us to make further investments in development.
Conference participants paid special attention to China, the U.S., India, and Turkey, as well as the opportunities these markets offer. At the ACS Slovenian Automotive Cluster, we are already actively establishing connections with Chinese partners through specialized business models, both in China and, above all, with companies seeking to open production facilities in the European Union and establish local supply chains. We are developing a similar model for the U.S. market, where opportunities for cooperation with American automakers and suppliers are emerging.
Discussions on individual markets also shed light on broader changes in the global automotive industry, ranging from the growth of Chinese manufacturers and new industrial investments in the U.S. to the potential of the Indian economy and Turkey’s developed automotive industry. A significant portion of the conference was devoted to cultural nuances and understanding different business environments, as successful entry into a foreign market requires not only technological and price competitiveness but also knowledge of local customs, decision-making processes, and the building of business relationships.
Slovenian companies also shared their experiences with internationalization, the development of new technologies, customer acquisition, and overcoming obstacles in foreign markets. The discussion revealed that market diversification is not merely a matter of geographic expansion, but also involves seeking new customers in existing markets, developing innovative solutions, and adapting to the changing needs of global industry.
Special emphasis was placed on the role of economic diplomacy in opening doors to international partners, establishing business contacts, and supporting Slovenian companies in their global expansion.
At ACS, we view internationalization as the proactive creation of new business opportunities and partnerships. We systematically and strategically expand our network of international connections and connect Slovenian companies with investors, manufacturers, and supply chains, thereby strengthening the business activities of the Slovenian automotive industry and mobility sector. In a global environment where supply chains are being reshaped, we must be present where new investments and business opportunities are emerging.
By bringing together the business community, international experts, and economic diplomacy, the GREMO business conference provided a platform for exchanging experiences, concrete business stories, and new connections that will help Slovenian companies further establish themselves internationally.
View a selection of photos from the event at this link.