EU Membership Spurs Impressive Growth in Croatian Exports and Investments, States Croatian Chamber of Economy

Exports and investments are crucial for sustainable economic development,” emphasized Marina Rožić, the Secretary General of the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK), during the conference “Internationalization: New Economic Environment – New Opportunities” on Thursday. She also highlighted that in the 10 years of EU membership, Croatian service exports have grown by 128%, and overall exports have increased by 150%.

“Within the EU, we generate 70% of our exports, and our goal is to increase exports to third markets, which are also a pool of resources and goods. We aim to attract investments, especially those related to digital and green transitions,” stated Rožić.

She also added that strengthening internationalization is a key aspect of HGK’s activities and emphasized the importance of having long-term goals despite the surrounding turbulence.

“There are three areas where all of us, both companies and institutions, need to work on. These include increasing the share of small and medium-sized enterprises in international trade, enhancing presence in third markets, and attracting investments,” emphasized Rožić.

Zdenko Lucić, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the representative of the Prime Minister, stated that Croatia has achieved the best possible integration with the EU, and the next step, joining the OECD, will further enhance competitiveness and attractiveness to investors.

Regarding perspectives on third markets, Lucić mentioned that global markets offer significant potential for Croatian economic growth. He highlighted the importance of having information about the opportunities available to companies and the tools at their disposal.

Peter Berz, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission, provided an overview of EU trade agreements with third countries, stating that the Union promotes free and fair trade, recognizing it as one of the strongest drivers of growth and employment. The EU has concluded over 40 trade agreements with around 80 countries.

Davor Baković, Director of Končar – Instrument Transformers, stated that they operate in over a hundred countries across all continents, and business operations vary for each country. “Partners, business connections, and, of course, the competitiveness of the product you have, are crucial. Everything starts from here, from the domestic field,” he said.

Altpro, a Croatian company, has successfully positioned itself on global markets for almost three decades through various railway projects worldwide, especially in third markets such as India. The president of Altpro’s Management Board, Zvonimir Viduka, stated, “The business potential in that market is significant, not only for our company but for any Croatian company interested in exports. We have met partners in those markets, and without them, there is nothing to seek in those markets. How you, as a company, implement localization of production is your expertise.”

The conference also emphasized that in response to global challenges, the EU has focused on a sustainable approach to the digital and data economy. There is a need for increased security, accessibility, and sustainability to establish long-term energy solutions and systematic adaptation of strategic supply chains.

European countries are globally revising strategic markets and dependencies, particularly in key technologies and raw materials, as stated in the HGK press release.

The key factors for building the future of the EU economy are increased sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness for an innovative and strong technological base, as well as strengthening the EU as a security and defense factor.