Business Slovenia

ISSUE: Since breaking from Yugoslavia in 1991, the tiny nation of Slovenia--which was the Balkan federation's economic locomotive--has been battered by a dizzying succession of crises that caused its gross national product to shrink almost 20%. But industry leaders and financial analysts say the bad times have bottomed out. Slovenia has reoriented exports to Western markets, and most indicators for 1993 point to recovery after a two-year tailspin.

ISSUE: Since breaking from Yugoslavia in 1991, the tiny nation of Slovenia--which was the Balkan federation's economic locomotive--has been battered by a dizzying succession of crises that caused its gross national product to shrink almost 20%. But industry leaders and financial analysts say the bad times have bottomed out. Slovenia has reoriented exports to Western markets, and most indicators for 1993 point to recovery after a two-year tailspin.

In the days of Communist rule, when Eastern Europe was running to ruin, the Elan sporting goods enterprise seemed as far above the economic abyss as the towering peaks of the Julian Alps in which the factory is cradled. Elan gained international renown by outfitting the jet set and world-class skiers, capturing an impressive 10% of the global ski market and bestowing a rare source of national pride on the republic of Slovenia.

In the days of Communist rule, when Eastern Europe was running to ruin, the Elan sporting goods enterprise seemed as far above the economic abyss as the towering peaks of the Julian Alps in which the factory is cradled. Elan gained international renown by outfitting the jet set and world-class skiers, capturing an impressive 10% of the global ski market and bestowing a rare source of national pride on the republic of Slovenia.