Slovenia has every intention of further promoting and fostering research endeavours and the introduction of innovative and more environment friendly services in the field of logistics and transport, by way of which this sector shall make its contribution to fulfilment of the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, much effort has been invested into the creation of an adequate legislative framework, together with other provisions and standards that will ensure the implementation of best practice as well as multi- and bi-lateral agreements. All of this shall provide efficient operational control as well as allow Slovenian providers of logistics services to meet international requirements and thus successfully penetrate and compete in foreign markets.
Slovenia is located at the intersection of the fifth and tenth pan-European transport corridors. Although this country is by no means densely populated, the magnitude of its motorway network is above the European average, while the Port of Koper, at the northernmost reach of the Mediterranean, provides the shortest maritime transit route between the countries of Central Europe and the crucial markets of the Middle and Far East. Operated by the logistics system provider Luka Koper, the port is continuing to grow and develop, while its operations now extend to encompass a new inland terminal at Sežana. Luka Koper is currently investing some 83 million euros in the modernisation and expansion of its port-related facilities and infrastructure.
The further development of the market economy, and evermorefierce competition, also require the optimisation of storage and warehousing facilities with respect to information technology and logistics operations. This will be achieved through the implementation of innovative private capital investment schemes that shall create new as well as modernise existing terminal facilities, both inland as well as at Slovenia's sea- and air-ports.
Over the next decade Ljubljana's Jože Pučnik Airport, operated by Aerodrom Ljubljana, will expand its infrastructure and increase throughput, both within and beyond the European continent, to become a leading provider and regional hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
Competition in the provision of integrated logistics services with transnational and global perspectives is also being promoted, as is cooperation between industry and carriers in the management of supply chains. The newly established Faculty of Logistics in the town of Celje is yet another step forward in the development of this particular field.
Leading companies:
- BTC (www.btc.si)
- Eurotek (www.eurotek.si)
- Intereuropa (www.intereuropa.si)
- Jože Pučnik Airport (www.lju-airport.si)
- Luka Koper - Port of Koper (www.luka-kp.si)
- Slovenske Železnice - Slovenian Railways (www.slo-zeleznice.si)
- Viator Vektor (www.viator-vektor.com)
Sources (accessed on 12 June 2008):
http://www.eu2008.si/en/Slovenia/Business/index.html
http://www.gzs.si/slo/
http://www.eu2008.si/includes/Downloads/misc/Slovenia_Your_Business_Partner.pdf
