Erjavec: Defence Tenders Opportunity for Slovenian Companies
Defence is one of those sectors where Slovenian companies can find opportunities for growth, development and creation of new jobs, Defence Minister Karl Erjavec told a conference on Wednesday. The conference, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focuses on public procurement in defence. According to NATO's defence policy, Slovenia is bound to allocate 2% of its GDP for defence. This year, the defence budget amounted to EUR 560m, while next year it is to stand at EUR 680m, explained Erjavec, adding that Slovenia would reach the 2% goal in 2015.
Out of this year's funds, EUR 245m is earmarked for services and military equipment, and this is where Slovenian companies can find their business, he said.
The military equipment budget is worth around EUR 105m, 20% of which involves Slovenian companies, while 80% is reserved for counter supplies.
Slovenia's membership of NATO brought a great deal of changes, including the need for new military equipment. However, few Slovenian companies produce the equipment, so Slovenia has introduced a system of counter supplies, Erjavec explained.
Nevertheless, the development of military technology is supported by the ministry. This year, Slovenian companies will be able to bid for EUR 25m, Erjavec said.
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