Ambienta: Plenković wished for more finished products to be exported and less raw wood

The Croatian wood industry has enormous potential, but the emphasis should be placed on processing, on added value, that is, the export of raw wood should be reduced, said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Wednesday, who opened Ambienta, the 44th international furniture, interior design, and related industries fair at the Zagreb Fair.

This year’s Ambienta features more than 300 exhibitors from 23 countries across six pavilions and 20,000 square meters of exhibition space.

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– Croatia is exceptionally rich in wood, wood and wood processing industry, which accounts for about ten percent of total Croatian exports and three percent of imports. The wood industry has enormous potential for an even greater emphasis on processing, on furniture production, on quality, on design, and new ideas, and I want as little of our exports to be raw wood, said Plenković at the opening of one of the most esteemed fairs at the Zagreb Fair, which will last until October 15.

Strategy for the development of wood processing and furniture production

He emphasized that the value of exports from the Croatian wood industry is one billion euros, which is a significant boost and contribution to the overall trade exchange with European Union member states, as most of the wood industry’s exports go to Croatia’s main economic partners – Italy, Austria, and Germany.

The Prime Minister also reminded that the Government adopted the Strategy for the Development of Wood Processing and Furniture Production for the period from 2017 to 2020 in April, with an appropriate action plan for implementation and corresponding financial resources.

– In this way, we want to encourage all those engaged in this branch of the Croatian economy, that is, we want to fully valorize high-quality domestic production, domestic raw materials, especially the highly recognizable Croatian oak, said Plenković.

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He also pointed out that the scientific community, together with producers, is crucial for sustainable competitiveness in the global market, and that competitiveness will be maintained through an innovative approach, close cooperation between producers and the scientific community.

– The Government wants you, like other entrepreneurs, to have the best possible business conditions, we want to relieve your obligations, to facilitate your business through a predictable legal and tax framework, and to make it even more efficient, concluded the Prime Minister.

The President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Luka Burilović, emphasized that the Croatian wood industry employs 20,000 people and that 68 percent of their products are exported. Last year’s foreign trade surplus in this sector amounted to 527 million euros, and in the first six months of this year, it was 250 million euros, he noted.

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Ambienta is one of the most important business events in the wood processing industry and furniture production in Croatia, and this year it is organized into four thematic units – Ambidom, where furniture, parquet, doors, windows, and decor will be exhibited; Ambidesign, showcasing the design achievements of the domestic furniture industry; Ambipro is reserved for materials, equipment, and machinery; and the fourth unit is Ambienergo.

Ambienta will be held from October 11 to 15, and the organizers expect more than 20,000 visitors.