The Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, urged the business community to explore opportunities in the European country to widen their horizon.

The chamber made the call at its 2025 last-quarter business forum, held in Lagos. It was the chamber’s routine session to inform businesses about the latest opportunities for mutual benefit to the countries, enabling people to explore and improve their lives.

Speaking at the event, attended by businessmen and trade regulatory agencies, the director-general of the Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, Uche Udungwor, described the relationship between the two countries as a bilateral economic Non-Governmental Organisation.

Mr Udungwor said that the body, established to build, promote, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Slovenia, had positively impacted the people.

According to him, major imports of Slovenia include organic chemicals, agro products such as cocoa beans, iron and steel/metal scrap, wood, and mineral fuels/petroleum products.

Also, plastics/polymers and resins, while their major exports include pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery/equipment, automobiles/automotive components, and furniture.

Slovenia also has a huge market in ICT and renewable energy.

Currently, the trade balance between Slovenia and Nigeria is not particularly encouraging.

According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, Slovenia’s imports from Nigeria in 2022 were $5.7 million.

He said that Slovenia, in Central Europe, with 2.1 million inhabitants, was a promising business frontier for Nigerians.

He noted that within its borders are Alpine mountains, thick forests, and a short Adriatic coastline.

“Slovenia, which borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Croatia to the south and southeast, and Hungary to the northeast, has $72.49 billion 2024 GDP, a sound economy, and a low-risk business environment. Slovenia has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and a member of the Schengen Group since 2007. It is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Slovenia today is a stable, vibrant democracy that offers a stimulating business environment and represents a bridge between the Balkan, Central European, and Western European countries. Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce is at your service to always provide you with up-to-date information and advice about the Slovenian economy, business opportunities, companies, products, and services for the mutual benefit of all,” he said.

(NAN)