Managers attending a round table on global competition in Bled on Monday, 26 September agreed that Slovenian companies are efficient because they know how to overcome the barriers set by the state through bureaucracy.

According to Stephane Garelli of the Swiss International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the state should adapt its rules to global standards which companies must follow if they wish to succeed.

Chief editor of business daily Finance Peter Frankl agreed with Garelli, pointing to bureaucracy as the main barrier for the competitiveness of the economy. Nevertheless, he believes Slovenia's companies are successful in overcoming state-induced restrictions.

At the event, organised by the business education company Gospodarski vestnik Izobrazevanje, the managers also talked about how to reach the new major world markets, like China and Japan. They agreed that ambition and persistence are needed for better competitiveness.

Stefan Bogdan Salej, director of the Latin America Centre, expressed his regret over companies focusing on eastern markets, while ignoring Latin America. Although Slovenian managers seem quite inflexible within the country, he believes they can be successful on any market.

Source: Slovene Press Agency STA