Zaoralek: Czech companies are not only interested in exporting to Croatia, but also in investing

Croatia and the Czech Republic have traditionally good friendly relations, but there is significant potential for strengthening cooperation in the economic sphere, it was emphasized today at the Croatian-Czech Economic Forum held at the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Zagreb.

The forum was organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Zagreb, as part of the official visit of Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek to Croatia.

Minister Zaoralek stated that Czech companies are not only interested in exporting to Croatia but also in investing in the Croatian economy. He also announced a series of joint projects by the end of this year, such as a conference in Šibenik on water management.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Joško Klisović reminded that Croatia has recorded growth in gross domestic product over the last three quarters and that exports, consumption, and investments are also increasing. ‘These are very important and encouraging data that should encourage companies to consider Croatia when making their business decisions.’

As key sectors with the greatest potential for growth and investment, Klisović highlighted information and communication technologies, the food industry, precision mechanics, the textile industry, logistics, the pharmaceutical industry, research and development, and the energy sector, but also emphasized that investments in all other sectors are welcome.

– About 15,000 companies have already decided to invest in Croatia because they see our country as stable, predictable, and a place where they can achieve profit – said Klisović.

Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy for construction, transport, and connections Mirjana Čagalj emphasized that the Czech market is interesting to Croatian exporters, but that export opportunities are not sufficiently utilized. She identified industry, agriculture, the food industry, energy, ecological projects, and shipbuilding as areas with great potential for further development of cooperation.

Trends show that there is room for improvement, she said, presenting the data that in the previous year, total trade between Croatia and the Czech Republic reached 553 million euros.

She particularly highlighted the possibilities for cooperation in tourism, given that in 2014, more than 660,000 Czech tourists visited Croatia, which is 1.4 percent more than the previous year, and that the Czech Republic, as a country with many natural beauties, rich history, and cultural landmarks, is one of the favorite destinations for Croatian tourists.

– The Czech Republic and Croatia traditionally nurture friendly relations based on geographical proximity and similar historical experiences. This fact is the foundation for strengthening mutual ties, especially in the area of the economy – she said.