Croatian exporters who utilize the potentials and benefits of the European Union’s trade agreements, of which there are a total of 42 with as many as 73 countries worldwide, are exploiting 91 percent of these potentials, which is above the EU average. This data, as stated today during Market Access Day, an event in Zagreb organized by the European Commission, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, indicates that Croatia is making good use of all the benefits of these agreements, as well as that public authorities are doing a good job of informing Croatian entrepreneurs about all the advantages of these agreements.
In addition, last year, exporting companies from Croatia saved a total of 200 million euros in customs tariffs thanks to these agreements, making them more competitive in the market, but also more influential.
Without Export, There Is No Growth
However, during the Market Access Day, it was also emphasized that Croatian exports to countries outside the EU are still limited, accounting for only 30 percent of total Croatian exports.
Nevertheless, as stated by HGK, Croatia’s trade exchange with the world is constantly growing, amounting to 65.6 billion euros last year, which is a 38 percent increase. Markets in third countries are an important space not only for strengthening export activities but also as a useful pool of raw materials and goods important for production, they added from HGK.
– We know that without export there is no growth, so we need to jointly encourage Croatian companies to engage in export activities, and we are doing this with this practical seminar, which will provide insights into better access to information and business opportunities with some markets outside the European Union – said Mirjana Čagalj, advisor to the president of HGK for construction and transport.
– The EU’s trade policy aims to remove trade barriers for European companies in foreign markets. It is important to know that access to certain markets is extremely complicated. Therefore, the exchange of information is crucial. Decisive and coordinated action towards third countries helps European companies maintain growth and diversify export markets – emphasized Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General and Chief Trade Compliance Officer of the European Commission.
