Udungwor showcases Slovenia to Nigerian Entrepreneurs, harps on bilateral economic cooperation
Director General, Nigeria/Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, Uche Udungwor, has brought to the knowledge of Nigerian Entrepreneurs, the business opportunities available in Slovenia.
Udungwor made the revelations at a Breakfast Business Forum of the Chamber which was held at TFC, Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria, on December 4, 2025.
The theme of the forum was ‘Presentation of Slovenia Business Environment and Economy to Nigerian Entrepreneurs & Investors.’
Udungwor averred that the Nigeria–Slovenia Chamber of Commerce is a bilateral economic non-governmental organization established with the aim of building, promoting and facilitating trade and investment activities between Nigeria and Slovenia.
According to Udungwor, the mandate of the chamber includes providing a forum representative of Nigeria and Slovenia interests for the development and improvement of commerce and industry between the two countries; to promote and encourage bilateral economic and trade relations between Nigeria and Slovenia; to create, promote and sustain broad exchanges and interactions in Commercial, industrial and economic fields between Nigeria and Slovenia and to promote co-operation on technical and scientific innovations between Nigerian and Slovenian institutions, entrepreneurs and commercial establishments through exchange of regular information on trade and investment opportunities
Other functions include promoting and protect external trade relations between manufacturing industries and service providers in Nigeria and Slovenia; to advise members on opportunities, challenges, legislations or otherwise arising from the pursuit of trade between Nigeria and Slovenia; to encourage exchange of ideas and views on trade matters within the context of trade promotion between both countries; and to confer, consult, maintain contact and co-operate with organizations, institutions or bodies of persons established in Nigeria or Slovenia having objectives in whole or in part similar to those of the chamber.
Speaking on the economic opportunity in Slovenia, Udungwo maintained that Slovenia has a very strong and sound economy. “It is among the countries classified as Developed Economies. According to World Bank data 2024, its GDP stood at 72.49 billion USD, with an expected growth of 1% in the year under review – 2025. Its major trade partners are drawn mostly from the traditional European countries like Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Russia, hence the need to expand into Africa.
“Major import of Slovenia includes organic chemicals, agro products like cocoa bean, iron and steel / metal scraps, woods, mineral fuels / petroleum products. Plastics/ polymers and resins, while their major exports includes pharmaceuticals, industrial machineries / equipment, automobiles/ automotive components, furniture, etc.
“Slovenia also has a huge market in ICT and renewable energy,” he said
The DG revealed that currently, trade balance between Slovenia and Nigeria is not quite encouraging, and called for more synergy and bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.
Quoting the United Nations COMTRADE database, he said “Slovenia imports from Nigeria in 2022 was 5.7 million USD. Therefore, the current synergy between Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce and the Republic of Slovenia is to provide an in-road towards boosting bilateral economic relations between both countries which we hope will translate to a positive trade balance in the nearest future.”
On what the Chamber has done recently to promote trade and investment between the two countries, Udungwor said “In our effort to promote trade and investment between Nigeria and Slovenia, the chamber, in the year under review, received about 125 General Business enquiries, Consulted for about 20 organizations both in Nigeria and Slovenia.
He added that the chamber has concluded business match-making for about 12 companies, reached an understanding between the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Kano Chamber of Commerce for collaboration.
Udungwor said that the Breakfast Business Forum remained one of the chamber’s avenues of projecting and promoting trade and investment potentials of both countries, with the sole purpose of achieving a shared prosperity. “It is worthy of note that the Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce is at your service to always provide you with up-to-date, practical information and advice about Slovenia economy, business opportunities, companies, products and services for the mutual benefit of all.”
For vivid understanding Slovenia on European map, Udungwor said that the Republic of Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe, half the size of Switzerland and with 2.1 million inhabitants. It contains within its borders Alpine mountains, thick forests, and a short Adriatic coastline.
According to Udungwor, “Slovenia is a member of European Union since 2004 and a member of the Schengen Group since 2007. It is also a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development – OECD.
“Slovenia today is a stable, vibrant democracy that offers a stimulating and low-risk business environment and represent a bridge between The Balkan, Central European and Western European Countries, all of which it is connected to by historical and cultural ties,; he stated.
Further, he said, “Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Croatia to the south and southeast, and Hungary to the northeast. It is a country where various cultures and traditions have long come together, and today form a unique nation proud of its heritage, a forward-looking mindset and a positive, productive attitude. With its beautiful natural landscapes, ancient historical sites and modern facilities, friendly and talented people and dynamic entrepreneurs, it’s a great place to visit or live or do business.”
