Slovenia: Goran Brankovič - we need to adopt to new conditions

Goran Brankovič, who was appointed the CEO of Slovenske železnice (Slovenian Railways) in October last year, interviewed by The Slovenia Times, speaks on the opportinities the cooperation with Deutsche Bahn may bring to SZ.

- Our goal is to adapt the operations to the new conditions as quickly as possible and try to seize new opportunities. The measures that we are carrying out include enhancing the capacities of our sales team, expanding operations in the field of full logistics services, greater attentiveness for the needs of the buyers, partnership with the port Luka Koper, expansion of activities abroad and expansion to the new markets in south eastern Europe. We are also developing a modern logistics terminal in Moste, optimizing the operation processes, enlarging productivity and rationalizing material costs. All of these activities should eventually bring some positive results - says Mr. Brankovič. - Slovenske železnice must become a technologically advanced and cost-efficient logistics provider and in this regard we must look abroad. Our multisystem locomotives enable us to transport cargo to almost every European country. We are currently waiting for permission to start using railways in Austria. We are also expanding our cooperation with companies from the Balkan countries and Germany.

Asked about the optimal mode of his company's reorganization, the CEO says  there are three possible paths: making a uniform company or a holding or splitting up the company and having separate infrastructure and transport operations. The decision is in the hands of the owner. Prime Minister Borut Pahor said that the study made by the company KPMG does not represent the final decision of the government.

Speaking on the possible alliances with foreign partners, Mr. Brankovič stresses - Deutsche Bahn is already a good partner. We do not wish to attach ourselves to a specific company in advance, so the contract on the strategic partnership is something completely different to everyday business cooperation.