A Boost for Cooperation with Austria: Croatian Economy Day Held in Vienna

Opening new markets, building business relationships, and increasing market recognition – these are all reasons that brought together around 40 Croatian companies at the annual event of the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s Representation in Austria, Croatian Economy Day, held today at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The event allowed companies to directly network with Austrian business partners – distributors, investors, traders, and other key industry players.

Austria is a very important trading partner for Croatia, with a strong historical and cultural connection. The relationship is characterized by a high volume of bilateral trade, as well as economic cooperation in various sectors. On Austrian plates, our top delicacies are often featured, and Croatian products for the automotive industry stand out as well.

“Every connection, even the strongest one, requires continuous work. We are here to give an additional boost to our economic cooperation. The Croatian Chamber of Economy and our Representation play a key role in deepening that cooperation. Today, we have around 40 Croatian companies with us that will confirm that potential. They come from the food and beverage sector, natural cosmetics production, metal processing industry, IT community, energy, and construction,” said the president of HGK Luka Burilović, emphasizing that in the process of supporting companies, they closely collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, which is a partner of this event.

– Austria and Croatia have exceptionally strong ties, especially at the economic level. We are all familiar with the multiple challenges faced by companies in the EU, as well as around the world. Therefore, we need strong partnerships, primarily between European companies. That is why I am very pleased that the Croatian Chamber of Economy, with its representation, organized Croatian Economy Day in Vienna. In my opinion, this meeting is also a successful continuation of the large Austrian-Croatian Business Forum from December 2023 at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber,” said the vice president of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce Angelika Sery-Froschuer.

The company Laser Engineering has been intensively collaborating with the HGK Representation from the very beginning, as they are strongly present in that market. – Even now, more than 40% of our revenue is generated in Austria, and we see great potential for further growth. It is particularly important for us to highlight that our expansion in Austria often comes through recommendations from existing clients, and such events further allow us to present ourselves in the real light of a Croatian manufacturer of metal products with a focus on export and the highest quality standards. This year, we also conducted an in-depth analysis for an investment in a renowned Austrian industrial company in the field of metallurgy,” said the company’s director Leonardo Kaščel.

Companies from the service sector are also present in the Austrian market. This market shows continuous interest in real estate in Croatia, especially in the segment of tourist and residential properties on the coast.

– We have many years of experience working with Austrian clients and partners, and Austria is one of the more important emitting markets for our sector. We are also active in the markets of Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries. Collaboration with foreign clients constitutes a significant part of our business. We expect to strengthen the recognition of the Croatian real estate market among Austrian investors, as well as direct contacts with potential partners and clients. This aligns with our plan for further expansion in foreign markets and strengthening Croatia’s image as an attractive destination for investment and living – explains the director of Biliškov Real Estate Jasminka Biliškov.

Some companies that participated in the event are just planning to make a significant breakthrough in the Austrian market. – That is precisely why our participation in Croatian Economy Day is an opportunity to expand our base of business partners, better understand the needs of the Austrian market, and open doors for future cooperation – said the sales manager of MSana Domagoj Stunić. The company is active in other international markets, and participation in such events is an important part of their strategy for expansion and strengthening recognition. – Participation fits perfectly into our plans for international growth and strengthening exports – said Stunić.

The event was also greeted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Austria, H.E. Daniel Glunčić, who has supported the work of the Representation since its opening and praised all activities for further strengthening Croatian and Austrian relations.

– This is an important event for the economies of both countries. In today’s time, the economy is not something that stands aside, but rather an important part of political action and a significant factor in international relations – said Ambassador Glunčić.

The director of the HGK Representation in Austria Daniela Reinisch emphasized that the activities of the Representation are focused on presenting the Croatian economy in Austria, as well as encouraging the return of our people to the homeland. Sectoral presentations of Croatian entrepreneurs to Austrian economic entities have been announced for further activities of the Representation.