A business forum in Opatija, hosted by newspapers Delo and Jutarnji List, highlighted the significance of construction for Slovenian and Croatian development. Slovenian Infrastructure Minister Alenka Bratušek emphasized Slovenia's active investments in rail and road infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of a second rail track between Koper and Divača and a new passenger center in Ljubljana.
Plans for further improvements, such as upgrading existing tracks and increasing train speeds, were discussed. Stojan Petrič, director of Delo and owner of a major construction company, noted the sector's importance as the fourth largest employer in Slovenia but highlighted severe labor shortages.
Despite challenges, he expressed confidence in Slovenian companies' ability to execute planned public investments. Croatian Infrastructure Minister Oleg Butković outlined Croatia's focus on rail infrastructure renovation and construction over the next decade. European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stressed the construction sector's role in achieving sustainable development, economic competitiveness, and social cohesion.
