Croatian-Italian economic relations are strong and stable, with Italy as one of Croatia’s most important trading partners and with trade exchange continuing to grow. This is the message from the Croatian-Italian Economic Forum, which was held today at the National and University Library in Zagreb on the occasion of the official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani, to the Republic of Croatia.
“The Croatian Chamber of Commerce continues to support business cooperation between the two countries through economic forums, EU projects and support for investors. Today’s forum confirms the strong will to jointly build a resilient, innovative and connected economic future. Through business discussions, knowledge exchange and strategic projects, we are opening the door to new investments and partnerships. Italy is our natural economic ally and I am confident that today’s meetings will result in strong steps forward in cooperation,” said the President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Luka Burilović, highlighting as an example of cooperation the Interreg projects that the Croatian Chamber of Commerce is implementing in cooperation with Italy in the field of digital transformation of the blue economy sector, transition to hydrogen fuel in maritime transport and innovative skills for a competitive blue economy.
“In addition to strengthening economic cooperation between numerous business entities of the two countries, improving cooperation between economic and financial institutions, our goal is also to develop the potential for joint appearances on third markets. We are convinced that today’s Forum represents a further important step in strengthening economic and overall relations between the two countries. Croatia’s membership in the OECD, which Italy consistently supports, will also play an important role in strengthening this cooperation,” said Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman and thanked Tajani for supporting Croatia in this process.
Tajani, in turn, emphasized that Croatian entrepreneurs are always welcome in Italy and emphasized that he considers Croatia a traditionally friendly country.
“Strengthening cooperation between European countries is particularly important in the context of reaching out to third markets. In the context of changing global circumstances, in the context of changing relations between Europe and the USA, it is perhaps more important than ever to strengthen the single market. Strengthening the ports of Trieste and Rijeka represents a great opportunity for Croatia and Italy precisely because of the importance of the corridors to third countries, especially Africa,” emphasized Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic.
In 2024, Italy was Croatia’s second largest foreign trade partner, with a share of 12.69 percent in total trade in goods, i.e. 8.4 billion euros. Italy is also one of the key investors in the Croatian economy and a significant partner in tourism, energy and industry, further strengthening its role in the Croatian economy. From 1993 to the end of 2024, Italian investors invested 3.8 billion euros in the Republic of Croatia. We have a surplus in the exchange of services with Italy. In 2024, we earned 1,471.5 million euros, and our expenses amounted to 260.9 million euros.
The forum was organized by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, the Embassy of Italy in Zagreb, and ICE – the Italian Foreign Trade Agency.