We Slovenians have realized the dream of having a sovereign and independent state. A dream of many generations. We achieved it because we had, and continue to have, a vision for the future. We wanted peace and democracy, the upholding of human rights, the rule of law, and a free economy. We also wanted to have good and developed relations with the nations of Europe and the world. What we want for ourselves, we do not want at the expense of others, but also for them and together with them.
The transition to a national market economy beginning in 1990 brought about profound structural changes, characterized by the shift from social to private ownership, from an industrial to a service economy, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, a commercial reorientation from the markets of the former Yugoslavia to more demanding markets in terms of quality and price, such as those of developed countries, and a shift from a supply-driven to a demand-driven economy. The change in the ownership structure, through the liberalization of business legislation, accelerated the growth in the creation of new private companies.
Today, Slovenia is a stable country with a social, democratic, and market-based state. It is also an exporter of stability and a bridge to Southeast Europe. I am convinced that this was also the reason why the presidents of two major powers, Bush and Putin, decided to hold their first meeting in Slovenia. Slovenia also plays an active role in efforts to pacify the Balkans, in economic reconstruction, and in the gradual integration of this region into the European Union. Indeed, Slovenia is one of the largest investors and donors to the Stability and Growth Pact for Southeast Europe.
Regarding all of the above—the story of Slovenian success, our ambitions, and the possibilities for a joint history between Spain and Slovenia in various fields—we discussed with His Majesty King Juan Carlos I during my visit to Spain on October 5, 2000. This will also be possible this year when the King, along with his wife, Queen Sofia, visits Slovenia. Slovenian business leaders greatly appreciate the fact that the King will be accompanied by a trade delegation and that he will attend the scheduled trade conference on July 5.
It would be a great satisfaction to me if Spain were to understand Slovenia's ambitions, recognize its effective capacity to join the EU and NATO, and thereby value it as a country whose integration into the European Union is in Spain's interest. Slovenia's GDP per capita is 72% of the average purchasing power parity of EU countries. It meets two of the Maastricht criteria: its external debt is 37% and its budget deficit is 2,5% of GDP. Slovenia has a high credit rating—it is in Group A—and is a safe country for foreign investors. The Slovenian stock market index is rising, mainly due to the increased interest shown by foreign investors who receive equal treatment with nationals in Slovenia, profit transfers are permitted, and the corporate income tax is among the lowest in Europe. Slovenian companies are increasing their investments in the former Yugoslavia and in transition countries. Slovenian companies can be a good business partner for Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that decide to produce and distribute in Eastern and Southeastern Europe.
The real sector of the economy in Slovenia is practically privatized. The privatization of the two largest banks, much of whose capital is still held by the state, is currently underway. Insurance and telecommunications companies are also being privatized. In negotiations with the European Union, Slovenia has so far concluded 28 chapters and is currently negotiating the chapters on agriculture, regional policy and coordination of structural elements, finance, and budget. Slovenia allocates approximately 24% of its GDP to social security; education and training, i.e., the development of human capital, accounts for 8,5% of GDP; environmental conservation receives 1,1%; and research and development receives 1,5%. 70% of university students own a personal computer, around 30% of the population uses the internet, and more than one million people own a mobile phone.
If a person wants to succeed, they must have high ambitions. They must compare themselves to those who are better than them. They must also have friends. I hope that Spain will recognize Slovenia as a friend. The visit of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia will confirm this friendship.
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