Suzanne Hill appointed as Honorary Consul of Slovenia in Northern Ireland
By
Slovenian Ambassador to London HE Iztok Jarc and Honorary Consul Suzanne Hill open Consulate in Belfast
The Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia HE Mr. Iztok Jarc, on Friday 21 January 2011 officially opened the Slovenian Consulate in Belfast with Ms Suzanne Hill as Honorary Consul for Slovenia in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the appointment Ambassador Jarc said:
“We are delighted to be appointing Suzanne Hill as Honorary Consul for Slovenia. Slovenia is a country similar in size to Northern Ireland, with a population of approximately two million. We believe that opportunities exist to build upon commercial and non-commercial relations that have already been established between the two countries.
Slovenia is a member of the EU and Euro Zone and has excellent transport and infrastructure networks. Many companies involved in exporting consider Slovenia as a strategic market, as it has excellent trading links and offers access into other markets linked to the former Yugoslavia. Through this appointment we hope to provide a visible presence in Northern Ireland through which businesses can develop linkages and grow trade.”
Exchange in goods between Slovenia and UK increased in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 by almost 20%, amounting to some € 527 million. In the period January-September 2010 Slovenian exports to the UK amounted to over € 337 million, which is 20% higher than in the same period in 2009.
Suzanne Hill, who has worked frequently in Slovenia, through her role as Managing Director of Handel Export Consulting, outlines the sectors where linkages currently exist:
“A number of Northern Ireland companies already do business in Slovenia across a range of sectors. Activity Breaks, based in Belfast, operate in the tourism sector and offer activity holidays in Slovenia. Within the agri-food sector, Rooney Fish, has firmly established itself as a key distributor of langoustines and shellfish. Meanwhile, in the construction sector, Brett Martin has carved out a niche in relation to the supply of roofing products, while George McIvor Ltd, has secured contracts to refurbish airport ground support equipment at Ljubljana airport. Local company Bridgedale, who specialise in manufacturing socks for hiking and walking, has also successfully developed distribution channels in Slovenia.”
From a cultural perspective, there have also been exchanges. Last year the Belfast Youth Orchestra went on a tour of Slovenia and Italy and performed concerts in both Ljubljana and Novo Mesto. Strong associations have also been developed through football, with Northern Ireland fans supporting the Slovenian team in the World Cup. Through my role as Honorary Consulate I will be aiming to foster further business and cultural linkages.”
To contact Suzanne Hill, Honorary Consul for Slovenia, telephone: 02890 923378 or e-mail: suzanne(at) handelexport.com
