Storyline: Slovenian companies at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which concludes Monday in Shanghai, are positioning themselves as key partners for Chinese manufacturers aiming to access the European market. This year's CIIE has drawn a record 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, and regions, as well as international organizations, underscoring China's critical role as a global trade hub. For Slovenia, a small, export-driven economy where goods and services to other countries account for over 80 percent of its GDP, the CIIE offered a rare opportunity to amplify its niche strengths in certification services, advanced engineering, and innovation in high-tech sectors. A typical example is Lotric Metrology, a family-run business based in Slovenia's industrial town of Zelezniki. With over 30 years of experience, the company specializes in rigorous testing of personal protective equipment -- measuring airflow resistance, chemical exposure, and liquid impermeability with clinical precision. "Our services, such as certification services for personal protective equipment and testing capabilities for automotive industry. Our vision is to support Chinese manufacturers in achieving a faster and safer entry into the EU market, backed by more than 30 years of experience, innovation and commitment to quality," said Maja Brelih Lotric, CEO of Lotric Metrology. Another company Domel Holding focuses on lightweight, high-efficiency electric motors, a critical component for portable appliances. Already operating a small production line in China, Domel aims to deepen its ties with Chinese manufacturers. "We are innovative in the way of lightweight design and this is for the portable applications, [which is] very important. And we believe this is something which also Chinese appliance manufacturers need and are looking for, and we can support them," said Matjaz Cemazar, chairman of the management board of Domel Holding. Slovenia's economic strategy is clear: leverage its deep expertise in ICT (information and communications technology), pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing to serve as a gateway for Chinese goods into the European market. "We have very innovative products, we are very well developed in the segment of ICT, in pharmaceuticals. Automotive is becoming more and more important, which means that we can offer different industries and different ideas and most of know-how to Chinese companies," said Tamara Zajec Balazic, director of the Slovenian Business Development Agency SPIRIT Slovenia. Since its launch in 2018, the CIIE has attracted thousands of global exhibitors and generated tens of billions of dollars in deals. For smaller economies such as Slovenia, the platform offers more than visibility, it provides a strategic foothold in China’s vast supply chain and a chance to shape cross-border collaboration. This year's edition, held from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai under the theme "New Era, Shared Future," marks the largest in CIIE history, underscoring China’s expanding role as a global trade hub. Shotlist: Zelezniki, Slovenia - Recent: 1. Various of employees of Lotric Metrology testing quality of manufactured personal protective equipment 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Maja Brelih Lotric, CEO, Lotric Metrology: "Our services, such as certification services for personal protective equipment and testing capabilities for automotive industry. Our vision is to support Chinese manufacturers in achieving a faster and safer entry into the EU market, backed by more than 30 years of experience, innovation and commitment to quality." 3. Building of electric motor maker Domel Holding 4. Various of production line of Domel 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Matjaz Cemazar, chairman, management board, Domel Holding: "We are innovative in the way of lightweight design and this is for the portable applications, [which is] very important. And we believe this is something which also Chinese appliance manufacturers need and are looking for, and we can support them." 6. Various of manufacturing line, machines operating Slovenia - Recent: 7. Various of street scenes, pedestrians 8. Flags 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Tamara Zajec Balazic, director, SPIRIT Slovenia (partially overlaid with shot 10): "We have very innovative products, we are very well developed in the segment of ICT, in pharmaceuticals. Automotive is becoming more and more important, which means that we can offer different industries and different ideas and most of know-how to Chinese companies." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 10. Flags [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Shanghai, China - Recent: 11. Aerial shots of 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) venue, flags 12. Various of booths of CIIE exhibitors [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]