By appointing Željko Perić as an economic advisor, with whom she has strengthened the team that includes the strong forces of Sandra Švaljek, Željko Lovrinčević, and Borislav Škegra, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor has shown that she understands how difficult the situation is.
This decision was certainly aided by the fact that Croatia again counts more than 300,000 unemployed. Last year alone, 50,000 employees were laid off from the private sector, and this year another 70,000 are expected. Therefore, the choice of Željko Perić is good news.
With twenty years of experience in large private companies and five years of running his own private business, he has learned, he says, what the main concerns and problems are not only for large systems but also for small and medium enterprises. Along with two strong macroeconomists from the Economic Institute and Škegru, who has experience in both theory and practice, Perić should direct solutions precisely towards companies. It is known that Perić advocates for fewer credit solutions and more developmental solutions/support through private equity funds.
“The situation in the economy is the hardest since the war. The Prime Minister understands this, which is why she wants to accelerate the decision-making process with the advisory team. Currently, the fastest way to help companies is through loans via HBOR and commercial banks. However, I believe that at the same time, we should also push for economic cooperation funds because our companies need fresh capital the most. I believe that in the next year, new equity funds will emerge in the market that will raise new capital for necessary investments in companies,” says Perić.
He did not want to specify what his first move would be. He says that there is a ‘gentleman’s’ agreement with the Prime Minister that no one from the advisory team goes out with statements alone. (Gordana Gelenčer)
