BOI seeks Slovenia energy investment partnerships

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The Board of Investments said the Philippines is ready to facilitate business partnerships with Slovenia as it moves to treat energy resilience as a core investment fundamental.

The statement was made on Wednesday during the second day of the “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security” conference hosted by Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of Slovenia to the Philippines.

BOI Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla said there is a strong alignment between Ljubljana’s capabilities in sustainable energy infrastructure and the Philippines’ requirements in disaster preparedness and secure energy systems.

He said the BOI is open to facilitating joint ventures, technology transfer, and research and development collaborations, particularly with Slovenian firms offering dual-use technologies and AI-enabled crisis management solutions.

“We look forward to deeper engagement with our Slovenian counterparts, European partners, and all stakeholders present today, toward partnerships that create business opportunities while advancing shared security and sustainable growth,” he said in his address.

Fondevilla said the country’s investment strategy is increasingly prioritizing projects that combine technology, sustainability, and resilience.

He cited the Pax Silica initiative, which involves establishing a 1,600-hectare Economic Security Zone within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The zone is envisioned as the country’s first AI-native industrial acceleration hub.

It is designed to strengthen trusted supply chains in critical sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and electronics.

The second day of the conference also featured business-to-business sessions between Slovenian and Philippine firms.

Stratbase Group Chief Operating Officer Rupert Paul Manhit said he was optimistic that the B2B sessions could lead to signed memorandums of understanding between firms in Manila and Ljubljana.

“These investments are not only critical to strengthening resilience but also to generating jobs, expanding industries, and supporting long-term economic development,” Manhit said.

The conference underscored how energy security is increasingly being framed not only as a policy issue, but also as an investment and industrial strategy concern.

For the Philippines, which faces recurring supply pressures, elevated power costs, and disaster-related vulnerabilities, the push for resilient energy systems has become closely tied to competitiveness and investor confidence.

Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez said that for both countries, investing in energy efficiency is “really not optional. It’s essential,” because present-day energy decisions will shape future prosperity and security.

She added that Slovenia is prepared to share technology in areas ranging from smart energy management and advanced electric drives to digital security and critical infrastructure protection.

Deputy Head of Mission Dragan Barbutovski described Slovenia as one of the most stable and export-oriented business environments in the world.

He said Slovenia is deeply integrated into global value chains, with exports accounting for more than 80 percent of its gross domestic product.

In 2025, Slovenia’s exports grew by 17%, with a notable 32 percent expansion in non-EU markets, he added.

Barbutovski said the country’s export success is rooted in its highly skilled workforce.

He said one-third of Slovenia’s graduates come from information and communications technology, engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences.

Taken together, the remarks from Philippine and Slovenian officials pointed to a shared effort to turn energy resilience into a platform for investment, technology exchange, and long-term economic cooperation.