The Obalno-Krasko region, the second richest Slovenian region, has been undergoing intensive development in the last two years and meets all the criteria for soon becoming a successful province, Primer Minister Janez Jansa said on Wednesday as part of the government's visit to Slovenian Istria and Karst.
Since the last visit by the government two years ago, the region has experienced growth in the services sector, which accounts for as much as three quarters of its income. This is even above the European average, Jansa said, calling this the "most promising indicator".
The number of companies in the region increased by 5%, whereas unemployment has dropped by almost 6% compared to 2005.
Speaking to the press in Stanjel along with Education Minister Milan Zver and Transport Minister Janez Bozic, Jansa also highlighted the importance that the establishment of a Mediterranean University would have for the region.
The prime minister pointed to the cultural and natural capacities of the Karst as presenting major opportunities for the region. He also mentioned the plan for building a man-made off the coast of Izola and the opportunities arising from EU funds.
The region has already drawn up projects worth EUR 510m for the EU's 2007-2013 budget, he said.
Cabinet members also met mayors, deputies and state councillors as they wrapped-up their visit to the region. The mayors were pleased with the new act on municipality financing as it would bring more money to the municipal coffers, but expressed concern over any VAT hikes.
Karst and Istria make up for 5.2% (1,044 square kilometres) of Slovenia's total land area, making it one of the country's smaller regions.
A total of 105,000 people live in the region which had a per capita gross domestic product of EUR 13,573, 3% above the Slovenian average and second only to central Slovenia.
A total of 6.3 percent of all Slovenian companies are located there. They employ 4.5% of all Slovenian workers.
The seven municipalities that make up the region also have lower than average unemployment rate. This stood 5.8% at the end of 2006, while the national average was at 8.6%.
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