Slovenia lacks more Serbian investments, whereas Slovenian businessmen have invested a total of EUR 1.7 billion in Serbia so far, Slovenian Ambassador to Serbia Franc But said Friday, adding that the greatest potential for the two countries' business cooperation lies with small and medium enterprises.

In the first nine months of this year, Serbia's exports to Slovenia amounted to USD 305.63 million, while imports from Slovenia were worth USD 332.95. At a business meeting in the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS),

Ambassador But pointed out that around 1,400 Slovenian companies, which employ around 22,000 people, are currently doing business in Serbia, which makes Slovenia the third largest investor in the country, while Serbia is ranked as the tenth most important Slovenia's economic partner.

The ambassador stressed that Slovenia is probably the biggest supporter for Serbia's accession to the EU.

PKS representative Mitar Przulj pointed out that the two countries have a common interest for a joint access on third markets, especially on the large market of Russia, with which Serbia has signed the Free Trade Agreement.

He noted that Serbia has a trade deficit with Slovenia, but added, however, that the overall level of trade between the countries has increased since 2002, when it stood at USD 125 million, to USD 1.12 billion in 2008, before the economic crisis.

Przulj noted that the aim of the PKS Bureau for Regional Cooperation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, who organized the meeting of businessmen, is promoting economic cooperation.