Nathalie Rayes: From American investors, I only hear: ‘How can we invest in Croatia?’

Nathalie Rayes, the United States Ambassador, has been in Croatia for just about ten months and, if her intuition is to be believed, she will soon leave the position of the main American diplomat in our country. Of course, surprises are possible, but she is ready to accept the decision of the 47th American president Donald Trump, whatever it may be. This was certainly the reason for Lider to talk with Ambassador Rayes, primarily because we have an increasing number of American investments in Croatia, such as the Jabil in Osijek, and if her announcements are to be believed, there could soon be even more.

The citizens of the USA have elected a new president, Donald Trump, and everyone is curious about how his election will affect American domestic policy, but also foreign policy.

– As you said, the American people have elected a new president who will represent our country during the next presidential term. We all now have to be patient and wait until the end of January when he takes office and we will see what the new policy of the White House will be, both domestic and foreign. I can assure you, regarding your country, that the relations between the USA and Croatia are built on very strong foundations, and we all know that strong foundations cannot be disturbed by anything, neither an earthquake nor a hurricane. Therefore, I have reason to believe that relations between the two countries will strengthen despite the changes within the White House.

Does Croatia have any reason to fear that the USA, as its main geopolitical ally, will abandon it or that it will not defend us in case of danger, which is a thesis that has circulated through Croatian media after the presidential election in the USA?

– The USA does not turn its head away from its responsibilities. We never have and we never will.

How do you think the new US policy towards NATO will look, especially in the context of Croatia?

– When we talk about this, it is very important to note that Croatia has been diligently working to meet the goal of allocating two percent of its GDP to defense. For the USA, this is extremely important, that our allies can defend themselves, that they are strong, and that all members contribute equally to the common security and defense capabilities of the Alliance. I am proud that Croatia will meet this goal already in the first quarter of 2025, which is extremely healthy for it, just as it will be extremely important and healthy for other members of the Alliance, although we are aware that securing such amounts is not always easy.

Will those two percent be enough for the new American administration?

– For Croatia, this was the first goal and it has been met, which is a great victory, but all NATO members must contribute and do more for our common defense. The first step has been taken on your part.

What do you think about Trump’s announcement of introducing new tariffs on imports? This will significantly affect the markets of many European Union countries, consequently also Croatia.

– I cannot speculate on what policy the new president of the USA will pursue and what decisions he will make. I can say, as it is a well-known fact, that the newly elected president has already appointed Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and he has many years of experience in foreign policy. In addition, Donald Trump has already been president, so his policy will not be overly new for the American people or the world.

Recently, a Jabil factory was opened in Osijek, which is also an American investment, so can we expect more such opportunities?

– Of course. Jabil in Osijek is a large investment; one hundred million euros have been invested, and 1500 people will be employed in the plant. This is just the first phase of the project, and more can be expected. By the way, the name of the company Jabil is an abbreviation of the names of its founders James and Bill, who are two business partners from Florida; many people in Croatia did not know that. Besides Jabil, there is Pfizer in Croatia, which has a manufacturing complex near Zagreb and is also considering expansion. We also have examples of Vertiv and Digital Realty, companies that have established their digital headquarters here. American investors are interested in projects in tourism, the pharmaceutical industry; they are also interested in opportunities in the technology sector, the automotive industry due to Rimac Automobili, which produces fast electric vehicles and batteries, and finally in manufacturing, which somehow interests your public the most as it concerns a large number of jobs.

Are they also interested in tourism? Apart from a few hotels under American brands, we have not seen larger American investments in that sector.

– You already have Marriott and Hilton, and I would love to see Four Seasons in Croatia, as well as St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. They will come too, it may take time, but Croatian tourism is ready for such investment leaps.

Here we always have the impression that American capital is more interested in other countries and that there is still a rumor among foreign investors that we are hostile towards foreign capital.

– I have not heard that! From American investors, I only hear: ‘How can we invest in Croatia?’ That interests them, they are interested in opportunities and how to establish contacts. They are also interested in whether Croatia has a stable government, a stable currency, stable human capital, and you have all that. Moreover, this is a wonderful country to live in, which is not unimportant because investors are also interested in the quality of life in your country, and you are doing well in that regard.

Read the entire interview in the print or digital edition of the business weekly Lider.