In the first nine months of last year, Croatia recorded an increase in exports to Qatar of almost 130 percent, with a growth in total trade of 62 percent compared to the same period in 2023. More than 20 domestic companies visited Qatar as part of the Croatian Chamber of economic delegation, which was organized as part of the visit of the Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman.
The goal is to establish business contacts with Qatari partners, gain insight into the potential of the Qatari market and get acquainted with the business environment of the State of Qatar. In addition to the B2B meetings of companies, a memorandum of understanding between the two chambers, the Croatian Chamber of Economy and Industry and the Qatar Chamber, was signed at yesterday’s economic forum in Doha, as a significant step towards further strengthening economic relations, establishing stronger institutional support and as an incentive for even better cooperation between companies.
“Croatian companies from the construction, energy, shipbuilding, defense and metal industries have already proven themselves in this region as quality and reliable partners. We also expect new opportunities in IT, pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries, engineering and knowledge transfer. We are here to strengthen existing and build new relationships, including investments and joint projects in the markets of Central Europe, the Mediterranean and the European Union as a whole,” said the Secretary General of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce Marina Rožić.
The strengthening of economic cooperation at the forum was also welcomed by the Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar.
“Croatia is a strong investment center and a link to the European market, and Qatar is a partner in strengthening trade and investment relations. With around 20 leading companies in our delegation, we clearly demonstrate our ambition to expand cooperation in numerous industrial sectors. The Government of the Republic of Croatia is decisively improving the investment climate, providing incentives for capital investments and economic growth,” said the Minister.
Source: Croatian Chamber of Economy and Industry