Copyright sloveniatimes
Shen Shiwei, founder of the China Briefing newsletter, argues in an op-ed for The Slovenia Times that Slovenia and China can both benefit from deeper cooperation in the winter sports industry and EVs. When Slovenia sent the country's largest-ever trade delegation to attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai from November 5-10, it carries more than business cards - but also brings an industrialized nation's bet on China's transformative growth. This year marks Slovenia's strongest economic presence at the expo to date, with more than 70 business and institutions' representatives from key industries showing up at the national pavilion, from fields like pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies, green energy, logistics and tourism. Slovenia, one of Europe's most industrialized and safest countries, exports over 90 percent of its goods, and this year's CIIE is its golden chance to lock in partnerships for two high-potential sectors: China's $211 billion ice and snow economy and its soaring electric vehicle (EV) industry. For a nation that thrives on niche expertise, the expo is not just a trade fair - it's a gateway to scaling strengths globally, as bilateral cooperation celebrates over three decades of mutual respect and Slovenia's role as a "natural bridge" between China and Central and Eastern Europe further eases market access for both sides. China's winter sports revolution aligns perfectly with Slovenia's Alpine heritage. By 2030, Beijing aims to build a 1.5-trillion-yuan-around $211 billion-ice and snow economy, driven by urban consumers craving high-quality, sustainable winter experiences. Slovenian ski gear makers, long trusted by European professionals for their precision engineering, are stepping in to fill the demand. At this year's CIIE, they're demoing AI-powered snowmaking systems, tailored to Chinese resorts upgrading for year-round operations. These systems, optimized for China's diverse winter climates, while Slovenian brands plan to partner with Chinese e-commerce platforms to expand direct-to-consumer sales, targeting 18-35-year-old urban winter sports enthusiasts. If snow sports are a natural fit, China's EV surge is a strategic one. Slovenia's automotive sector - home to some 400 companies employing over 40,000 people - contributes roughly 10 percent of its GDP. Now, Chinese EV makers - racing to boost quality and sustainability amid global competition - are turning to its specialized suppliers. Slovenia excels in high-torque in-wheel motors, critical for EV performance, and cold-weather battery management systems, vital for China's northern regions where low temperatures challenge battery life. Several Slovenian firms have already entered preliminary collaborations with Chinese EV manufacturers to co-develop lighter, more durable components, leveraging Slovenia's advanced manufacturing know-how and China's large-scale production capabilities. Then there's the Port of Koper, Slovenia's ace: Europe's closest Adriatic port to Central Europe, connecting the new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial chains of China and Europe with streamlined logistics, including dedicated storage zones for EV parts. The CIIE's magic lies in matching China's demand with Slovenia's precision. Lotrič's delegation isn't just selling products; it's pitching "green, creative, smart Slovenia" - a vision that dovetails with China's goals of decarbonization and high-quality growth. Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar has praised China's green transformation efforts, noting that their countries' partnership serves as a model for win-win cooperation across different sizes and systems. For a nation of 2 million, China's 1.4 billion consumers and fast-evolving industries aren't just a market - they're a chance to turn niche expertise into global leadership. As winter takes hold, Slovenia's engagement with the CIIE carries a clear message: its focus on targeted strengths is unlocking opportunities in China's most dynamic sectors. Its ski gear answers China's winter sports demands, while its EV components participate in China's global industrial chain layout. This collaboration transcends trade, embodying the multilateral spirit both nations advocate for. The expo is more than just an event - it's a bridge connecting Slovenian innovation to Chinese growth, and in an era of global economic uncertainty, Slovenia is leading the way in proving that specialization and openness drive shared prosperity. Shen Shiwei is a founder of the China Briefing newsletter and a prominent voice on social media for matters pertaining to China's political, economic and foreign relations, international affairs, the BRI project's development.
