In recent years it has also faced the loss of thousands of work places. Besides export, the Podravje region economists also see a possible solution in cooperation among companies and focus on new industries, and for that, the country will have to make arrangements for bank loans.

The Štajerska economy has for years (except for a few exceptions) faced extreme difficulties in business. The director of the Štajerska Chamber of Commerce Aleksandra Podgornik highlighted the lack of liquidity, as well as banks currently not helping even those companies, that are regarded as having no liquidity problems.

Podgornik pointed out, that the Podravje economy in recent years lost about 7500 jobs, which are virtually impossible to replace. The director of the Štajersko Chamber of Commerce sees a possible solution in bringing together businesses, as 98% of the companies in the area are considered to be small businesses. She also sees opportunities in a greater focus on areas such as energy and automotive and food industry.

TM, RSi