Last week, the chief trade negotiator for Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada (CETA), Mr. Steve Verheul, visited Ljubljana. On this occasion, the Slon Hotel was the venue of the business lunch, which was attended by representatives of Canada, as well as representatives of Slovenian companies and a European Commission representative. At the invitation of Her Excellence Lisa Helfand, the Canadian Madam Ambassador in Budapest, and among eight representatives of Slovenian companies, it was also the President of the PanSlovenian Shareholders' Association (VZMD), Mr. Kristjan Verbič, who attented this event. (photo of Her Excellence Lisa Helfand, Mr. Kristjan Verbič and Mr. Steve Verheul)

The CETA Agreement, which might come into effect as early as 2017 in some optimistic anticipations, is by far the most complex treaty on free trade worldwide, which exceedingly broadly and with minor exceptions provides for tax exemptions, which will equip also Slovenian exporters with the incomparably better opportunities for entry into and conducting business on the promising Canadian market. In this matter, VZMD is welcoming the approach and openness of Canada and its high representatives who presented the Agreement and pertaining potentials and answers the questions of invitees.

VZMD has, through its international business-investor programs: Invest to Slovenia (investo.si) and International Investors` Network (invest-to.net) been closely collaborating with the Canadian Embassy for a while yet, among other things, the VZMD office was paid a visit by Mr. Bradwin Niblock, their Senior Trade Commissioner, in 2013, and the VZMD President was shortly afterwards a member of the Slovenian economic delegation, which visited Canadian city of Toronto.