Estare Culto Factory Opened in Valpovo

A new production facility of the Zagreb textile company “Estare Culto – clothing production Valpovo” was opened today in Valpovo. The company invested approximately 30 million kuna in equipping the new facility, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Jadranka Kosor.

Currently, just over 50 employees are working there, and the management expects to increase the number of employees to 120 workers in the next three months. Prime Minister Kosor emphasized that, in times of crisis, it is significant not only to preserve existing jobs but even more to open new ones, especially in such a sensitive economic sector as the textile industry. She announced that around 100 million kuna will be allocated in the state budget for the next year to strengthen the competitiveness of Croatian companies.

The owner and director of “Estare Culto”, Nikola Mikić, stated that it is an export-oriented company, which, among other things, exports to the markets of the USA, Germany, and Ireland, and expects to sign the largest contract with a Canadian partner next year, valued at five million US dollars. He added that the opening of the new facility in Valpovo increases the company’s production capacity by about 25 percent.

The opening of the facility was attended by, among others, the Vice President of the Croatian Parliament Vladimir Šeks, the Minister of Family, Veterans and Intergenerational Solidarity Tomislav Ivić, parliamentary representatives, and leaders of the city of Valpovo. Valpovo is celebrating its city day today, and on this occasion, a ceremonial session of the City Council was held, where Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor addressed the councilors and guests. She highlighted that the accurate data from the State Bureau of Statistics shows that, after six consecutive quarters, in the third quarter of this year, GDP growth of 0.2 percent was achieved, which, she pointed out, along with an export growth of 16 percent in the first ten months, indicates that the government’s economic recovery program is being implemented.

She announced that the government will support quality local projects, regardless of who is in power in a particular municipality, city, or county, but added that “for two to shake hands, both must extend a hand.” She announced that next year the accession negotiations with the EU will be completed, the accession agreement will be signed, and a referendum will be called, emphasizing that the government will not relent in the fight against corruption “regardless of anyone’s name or political affiliation and regardless of threats that come directly or indirectly from various sides or levels.”

The Mayor of Valpovo, Leon Žulj, stated that, with the support of the government and relevant ministries, four business zones have been built in the Valpovo area, with two more in preparation, assessing that the government’s support has been significant for the restructuring of the agricultural combine Valpovo dd. Vice President of the Croatian Parliament Vladimir Šeks and Minister Tomislav Ivić stated that investments in various production projects in Valpovo are expected to create 150 new jobs and that the city administration, unlike some other local government units, has developed a respectable cooperation with the government and relevant ministries. At the session, city public recognitions were awarded to deserving individuals and institutions. (H)