Šušnjar presents strategic priorities to diplomatic representatives

Diplomatic representatives play a key role as the primary representatives of Croatia in the world and as important figures in promoting it as a reliable economic partner and a destination of opportunities, said Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar on Wednesday during the Conference of ambassadors, general consuls, consuls, and military attachés of the Republic of Croatia.

Šušnjar highlighted three strategic goals of the Ministry of Economy – attracting investments, energy security, and the development of a modern and resilient industry and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the three strategic goals, Minister Šušnjar presented them in detail and illustrated them with concrete examples.

He pointed out that more than 54 billion euros in foreign investments have been made in Croatia, of which 32 percent was achieved in the last five years. He particularly emphasized the growth of greenfield investments, such as the projects of Jabil and FACC.

The minister stated that the action plan for the period 2024 and 2025 foresees 103 relief measures, with an estimated value of 364 million euros, aimed at improving the business climate through administrative relief and reducing parafiscal charges.

Croatia, he noted, is investing more than 1.4 billion euros in energy infrastructure, while the manufacturing industry accounts for 20 percent of GDP and employs nearly 230,000 people. The defense industry employs about 3,000 people and generates an annual export of approximately 70 million euros.

“Croatia is a reliable partner, an attractive investment destination, and a country that is building an innovative and resilient economy,” the minister emphasized, also calling on the diplomatic network to leverage their direct access and knowledge of the business culture of their host countries to actively promote Croatian entrepreneurs and lobby for the removal of trade barriers.

He also highlighted that through coordinated cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and the diplomatic network, every initiative, from organizing business missions to providing concrete information to investors, can be maximally utilized.