Minister of Defence Valentin Hajdinjak hosted Boštjan Skalar, Director of the Defence Industry Cluster of Slovenia (GIZ GOIS), and Boštjan Marolt, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of GOIS, at the Ministry, who presented the cluster’s operations and organisation. GOIS currently has around 200 members.

The focus of the discussion was on further strengthening cooperation between the ministry and the domestic defense industry and finding ways to develop competitive Slovenian solutions – both for equipping the Slovenian Armed Forces and for entering demanding foreign markets. Since the Slovenian defense industry is strongly export-oriented, domestic references are an important springboard for companies in obtaining new business abroad.

Special attention was paid to the field of research and development. The Minister assured that the Ministry will not cut funds for this purpose, and will also enable GOIS members to participate in the Ministry’s delegations, which will open up direct contact with potential international partners. “You will continue to have the support of the Ministry of Defence,” emphasized Minister Hajdinjak.

He also highlighted efforts to attract as many foreign exhibitors as possible to the international defense fair and conference SIDEC, which will be held in Celje in November.

Cooperation between the ministry and GIZ GOIS thus remains an important platform for connecting the needs of the state, the development capabilities of the domestic economy, and opportunities in international markets.