Minister Tanja Fajon, accompanied by a Slovenian business delegation, visited Ho Chi Minh City, the economic centre of Vietnam, where she opened a business forum. The visit reflects the desire of Slovenian businesspeople to seek new opportunities and cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region.
More than 60 businesspeople from Slovenia and Vietnam attended the business forum. “Vietnam is experiencing impressive economic growth and is one of the most dynamic and important economies in Southeast Asia. Although Slovenia is far away, our eyes are firmly fixed on Vietnam,” said Minister Fajon in her opening address.
The forum facilitated the identification of new economic opportunities for businesspeople, strengthened their mutual trust and helped to establish concrete business and people-to-people contacts. Possibilities for cooperation exist in the automatisation of industry, tourism and the development of smart cities. The participants also stressed the need for greater promotion of the economies of both countries. “There is untapped potential for cooperation between Slovenian and Vietnamese companies, especially in transport, ICT, the automotive industry, infrastructure projects, space technologies, agriculture, energy and the water sector,” added Minister Fajon.
During her visit, the Minister met with Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. They both expressed their commitment to strengthening the ties between the two countries, especially in the economy and politics. The Minister also announced the opening of the Slovenian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Minister continued her visit by meeting young women entrepreneurs from the Ho Chi Minh City Young Entrepreneurs Association. In her address, she advocated for women’s rights, women’s empowerment and the importance of women’s role, especially in foreign policy: “The goal of feminist foreign policy is to change the practice of foreign policy for the greater good of women and girls around the world and at all levels, through diplomacy, development and aid, trade, climate security, defence and security cooperation.” During the meeting, which took place in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, Minister Fajon also shared with the Vietnamese businesswomen the story of her own career path, the challenges she faces as a woman in politics and the qualities that help her overcome everyday obstacles.
