Serbia and Slovenia have great potential for enhancing their economic cooperation, especially in energy and agriculture, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Regional Development Verica Kalanovic stated in Belgrade late on Thursday.

During a meeting of the Slovenian Business Club, Kalanovic underscored that Serbia is rich in renewable energy sources and Slovenian investors already recognised the potential and are interested in solar and small-scale hydro-power plants.

She noted that the number of Slovenian businessmen in Serbia is greater than that of Serbian companies in Slovenia, and added that Slovenia is Serbia's important partner in foreign exchange.

Slovenia takes a significant eighth place on the list of Serbia's export partners in 2010 and it ranks tenth according to importers in Serbia, Kalanovic stated. She underscored that Slovenia's investments in Serbia as of 2000 total EUR 950 million, which entitles the country to the eighth place on the list of foreign investors in Serbia.

According to Kalanovic, Serbia is home to 1.360 registered Slovenian companies, branch and representative offices. Kalanovic added that the Slovenian Business Club, which held its 90th meeting on Thursday, is a very important factor in improvement of the two countries' business relations and the role of the businessmen is more important than any signed agreement.

The Club's meeting was also attended by Slovenian Ambassador in Serbia Franz But.