The Municipality of Celje, in cooperation with SPIRIT Slovenia and the Savinjska Region Incubator, organized the international business conference "Invest in Celje" at the 56th MOS fair, the largest trade fair event in the region.

The first two days of the conference featured insightful presentations and discussions on effective business zone management and investment opportunities in Celje. Renowned experts also provided broader perspectives on the economic and business environment at both the regional and national levels.

Focus on Business Zone Management and Expansion
The first day of the three-day conference focused on effective business zone management, particularly in light of the development of the EPC Trnovlje – South business zone, which is one of the largest economic projects in the Municipality of Celje, valued at €1.8 million. The zone is now equipped with new road and municipal infrastructure, and new business plots are available for investors, with an auction recently announced.

Mayor Matija Kovač expressed satisfaction that the state is co-financing the project through the EU NextGeneration Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), emphasizing that local municipalities cannot finance such large-scale projects solely from their budgets.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, Srečko Đurov, cited EPC Trnovlje – South as a good example of how a municipality can successfully develop a business zone. He also welcomed the future plans of the Municipality of Celje in this area. Đurov stressed the importance of well-managed economic centers, where businesses create added value and integrate with innovation and science. He also announced upcoming strategic measures from the government aimed at more balanced regional economic development.

Showcasing Best Practices and Digital Solutions
A notable best practice example presented at the conference was the Ajdovščina business zone. According to Brigita Habjan Štolfa, Director of the Primorska Chamber of Commerce, the zone underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from the remnants of former industrial giants into a modern business hub, now home to high-tech and development-focused companies.

Gorazd Orešek from SPIRIT Slovenia introduced a new digital platform for business zones, which already includes nearly 700 zones. This central registry aims to streamline the planning and management of business zones and investments in Slovenia.

Experts Praise Efforts of the Municipality of Celje
The fourth municipal conference addressing key current and development issues continued with the "Invest in Celje" event.

Key speakers included:

• Vid Habjan (SPIRIT Slovenia) – presenting Slovenia’s investment promotion agency, the entry point for foreign investors,
• Sonja Majcen (Director, Savinjska Region Incubator) – discussing entrepreneurial support for startups,
• Primož Brvar (Director, Nepremičnine Celje) – highlighting residential investment opportunities in Celje,
• Aleksandra Rezar (Head of the Department for Environment, Spatial Planning, and Utilities at MOC) – presenting specific investment opportunities in Celje.

Businessman Marjan Batagelj, owner of Postojnska Jama, shared his experience as an investor and entrepreneur. He criticized lengthy bureaucratic procedures, which often discourage potential investors, but praised the Municipality of Celje for its proactive approach.

Panel Discussion on Local and Regional Investment Opportunities
A roundtable discussion, moderated by Dr. Gorazd Justinek, an expert in international political, economic, and business relations, featured:

• Mayor Matija Kovač,
• Tomaž Benčina (Director, Regional Chamber of Commerce, Celje),
• Mag. Tomaž Berginc (Director, ETI Izlake),
• Dr. Andreja Kodrin (Investment Committee Member, InvestEU),
• Vid Habjan (Head of Financial Incentives, SPIRIT Slovenia).

The discussion was highly engaging, with experts agreeing that such events address crucial economic and social topics and have a wide-ranging impact on local, regional, and national business environments.

The Municipality of Celje’s initiatives to create a business-friendly environment were widely praised. Panelists also discussed the brain drain issue, noting that many highly educated young professionals recognize the advantages of living in a city like Celje.

Mayor Matija Kovač: Celje Offers Excellent Investment and Living Conditions
Mayor Matija Kovač emphasized that Celje, as the regional center, offers excellent business opportunities, supported by strong economic infrastructure, including the newly developed EPC Trnovlje – South business zone.

However, he highlighted that companies also consider other factors when deciding to invest, such as:

• Administrative support for investment processes,
• A high-quality living environment for employees,
• Good housing opportunities,
• Excellent kindergartens, schools, and universities,
• High-quality healthcare,
• Proximity to key institutions,
• Well-maintained sports and recreational areas,
• A vibrant cultural scene,
• A safe and accessible city, where everything is within a 15-minute reach.
• Final Day: Exploring Opportunities on Amazon’s Platform
• The three-day conference will conclude tomorrow with an international event dedicated to the business opportunities offered by the Amazon platform.

The event, held from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Blue Hall of the Celje Fair, will feature internationally recognized speakers and marketing experts, including:

• Danny McMillan,
• Ben Leonard,
• Vincenzo Toscano,
• Jana Krekic,
• Oana Padurariu.