The Japan-Croatia Economic Forum opened during Croatia’s National Day at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. The Croatian Chamber of Commerce organized the visit of almost 60 Croatian companies, and with the help of partners, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), B2B meetings were organized with around 100 Japanese entrepreneurs.
“In the first half of this year, we have recorded a strong recovery in economic relations with Japan. Exports have increased significantly, which is a sign that Croatian products and services are increasingly finding their place on the Japanese market. Croatia offers a strategic geographical position, stability and legal security, access to the European market and competent people. Japan, on the other hand, brings technology, capital and innovation. Together we can create strong partnerships,” said Luka Burilović, President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
This year, we have recorded a significant growth in exports of 65 percent in the first six months – compared to the same period last year. Imports have slowed down somewhat, so Croatia exported goods to Japan in the first six months worth slightly more than USD 37 million, and imported almost USD 35 million worth of goods. Total trade is thus at USD 72.1 million, which is about 18 percent more than in the same period last year.
“Our trade is stable, but we are convinced that there are still unexplored opportunities for stronger connections. Croatia exports a highly valued product on the Japanese market to Japan – top-quality tuna. We see potential for expanding cooperation in the automotive industry, energy, high technology, and green and digital transition. Japan is one of the world’s strongest economies, for which Croatia can be an important geostrategic partner in Europe,” said Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia. The Prime Minister is accompanied by the Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar and the Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina.
On National Day in Osaka, Croatia is also working to strengthen the brand of Croatia as an attractive tourist destination. According to e-Visitor data, by the beginning of September, almost 39.5 thousand Japanese tourists had visited Croatia and almost 72 thousand overnight stays had been recorded, which is an increase of 4.2 percent in arrivals and 3.5 percent in overnight stays compared to the same period last year. In 2024, a total of 53 thousand Japanese tourists came to us. Tourism is recovering, but the numbers are still far below the pre-pandemic level of 150 thousand Japanese tourists in 2019.
Source: Croatian Chamber of Economy