Most frequently asked questions about SDBP
WHAT does “SDBP” stand for?
SDBP stands for Slovene Dutch Business Platform, which is exactly how the story started in 2003. Today, though SDBP has become The International Business Platform of Slovenia, the original name has been kept.
WHAT is the SDBP?
The Platform is an independent, non-profit association providing a basis for developing and expanding international business relations in Slovenia.
When and why has the SDBP come into life?
The SDBP stands for "Slovene Dutch Business Platform" which describes the purpose it was started in 2003 with a view to strengthening the economic relations between Slovenia and the Netherlands.
What has the SDBP been doing?
Since 2003, the SDBP has become a successful association of well respected business people and their companies spanning a wide range of activities.
During its 6 years of existence, the SDBP has organised a great number of gatherings, business lunches, conferences and company visits with local and international business executives, industrial and governmental experts.
Milan Kučan, Dr. Tea Petrin, Peter Ješovnik (JAPTI), the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade Karien van Gennip, and Zoran Janković have all been our guests to share their views on various business related topics. Further, some of the SDBP activities were part of the Bilateral Focus program of the Dutch Embassy.
Where is the SDBP now?
The demands of the growing international business community in Slovenia are rapidly changing. Therefore, SDBP is widening its scope to become a global networking platform open to all international entrepreneurs and companies doing business in or with Slovenia. Interesting activities on the horizon will now be organized with a global focus.
The new focus forced SDBP's strategic group to develop new strategy for following years which will bring SDBP closer to its vision. Therefore, some of the products and activities have been developed or up-graded:
a) SDBP Café International
SDBP Café’ International is a place of dialogue associated with international atmosphere as well as quality catering and service, based in Ljubljana. It was develop from SDBP’s regular meetings and offers a unique gathering of selected group of people, members and invited guests, which shall enrich the public debate in Ljubljana and shall integrate it with the international – global – community.
b) SDBP’s Interactive Website
The new interactive website was designed to support the business networking platform and increasing SDBP’s visibility. It should serve as an efficient communication and networking tool for SDBP members by enabling contacts with members and forming subgroups sharing competences in a particular field and exchanging ideas, experiences and opportunities.
c) SDBP Business Conferences
One or two big events in the form of conferences are (co-) organized by SDBP. Their aim is to address actual issues such as the global market an different business situations and opportunities in the regions around the globe. Leading figures from international business and administration are invited to share their knowledge with the SDBP members and its guests.
d) SDBP additional events, projects, activities
We’re open to all kind of events, projects and activities that are in accordance with our mission. Our strategic group and active members are developing them constantly.
For more information on active projects just click the News & Events.
How is SDBP organized?
An Executive Committee was elected by the General Assembly in February 2012, and its members are Maja Bole, Natasa Tovornik, David Vaillancourt, Juri Giacomelli and SDBP President, Cees WM Nieboer.
The Executive Committee is supervised by a Supervisory Board, presided over by the Dutch Ambassador in Slovenia, His Excellency Jos Douma. Next to him Dr. Peter Kraljič, former Senior Director of McKinsey and Mrs Tatjana Fink, CEO of Trimo, have taken a seat on the Supervisory Board.
Why would you want to join SDBP?
Serious business in Slovenia cannot develop without networking. Joining SDBP will expand your international network, so you can learn from others and share experiences in an international context while exploring new business opportunities for your company.
How can you join SDBP?
Click the membership page for more information on how to become a member of SDBP or if you would like to actively participate in the management of SDBP or the organisation of its events. We look forward to welcoming you as a member!