Intereuropa d.o.o. purchased land this year and started with preparations for construction of a new Logistics Centre in Rijeka.
The greatest value in Intereuropa are the people. I am proud of all my colleagues. Despite the sacrifices in difficult times, we created a new business culture and together we wrote a success story, Darko Skrnički, President of the Management Board of Intereuropa Croatia, told Diplomacy & Commerce. We are also looking forward to working on future development projects in the logistics and distribution segment, Skrnički says.
- How has the Covid-19 pandemic and the entire crisis affected your company’s business given what you do? What do the numbers show?
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected our business negatively due to the fact that we first encountered the need for a new way of organizing the work process, both in terms of work technology and in terms of health and safety of workers. Compared to our society, this impact was relatively short-term, because with our logistics knowledge, experience and professional staff we were able to react promptly and adapt our business to the crisis situation. In addition, Intereuropa d.o.o. has always based its business on complete logistics services, which has further contributed to the stability of our business operations, and this is seen in the company’s business results, which in 2020 exceeded the results from 2019 as well as the planned results for 2020. We expect the business results in 2021 to be even better than in previous years.
- How fast is the market recovering and what affects this the most?
It is my opinion, and it stems from our business results, that our domestic and international partners reacted fantastically to the new situation. The crisis management function played a major role in market recovery, where it was proven – especially in relation to our partners – that they successfully adapted to requirements of the market in times of crisis.
- What is what you would single out and emphasize in your business operations and plans on the Croatian market?
Our current business operations follow our multi-year strategic plan. We are especially pleased that year after year we meet our goals and expectations of our owner and record business growth. We successfully maintain profitability that enables our future development and investments in the market of the Republic of Croatia.
Intereuropa d.o.o. purchased land this year and started with preparations for construction of a new Logistics Centre in Rijeka. This is our own multimillion investment, which is the first step in fulfilling our strategy to achieve stronger positioning of Intereuropa on the Croatian market. We are also looking forward to working on future development projects in the logistics and distribution segment.
- Intereuropa Group has 17 subsidiaries in 10 countries. How important networking in business terms and what does that mean for you specifically?
Intereuropa Group is the leading provider of comprehensive logistics services in the market of Southeast Europe, and it is part of the Pošta Slovenije Group. Intereuropa Group brings together as many as 13 companies from 9 countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania and Ukraine, where the Group has its own companies with a network of business units and logistics terminals. Business operations of Intereuropa d.o.o. in such a large group are certainly a very important competitive advantage. IE Group has been present with its own network of companies and infrastructure in the markets of Southeast Europe for more than 70 years, which is certainly a significant competitive advantage. Intereuropa is a logistics operator for a number of international companies that direct their goods through Southeast Europe. Within the Intereuropa Group, we use synergy effects, we overcome current challenges more effectively and offer an optimal and competitive logistics service to our customers. All companies in the Intereuropa Group achieve the set goals more easily, as well as the set business strategies. We help each other by exchanging opinions, we strengthen our mutual cooperation and thus strive for a common goal, i.e. to meet the needs of our customers by offering land, sea and air transport services, warehousing and distribution services, customs and other logistics services needed for the smooth flow of goods from the producer to the customer. We provide logistics solutions in other European countries and worldwide through a network of reliable business partners.
- Doing business in 10 countries implies different regulations and rules. If we exclude EU countries, how much does that make work difficult and in what way?
Of course, business operations between companies operating within different legal frameworks and in different countries can be difficult. However, the parent company Intereuropa d.d. has adopted a document that prescribes the management of companies throughout the IE Group in a uniform manner. This laid the foundations for simplified cooperation between affiliated companies. The responsibilities of the heads of individual functions are defined, and they can therefore manage various processes from procurement, logistics, finance, IT, etc., in affiliated companies as well. Central management ensures optimal cooperation between companies in different countries, transfer of knowledge, it encourages the exchange of good practice between companies in the Group and ensures coordinated development and sales. This consequently leads to the achievement of synergy and greater success and efficiency of Intereuropa Group as a whole.
- As a businessman and a man in the business sector, how would you describe the economic situation in Croatia? What would you change, what would you praise and how good is your communication with the decision makers?
The Croatian market is a specific one given that tourism is a major generator of the economy. I realized this very quickly upon my arrival in Croatia, and I began to think about ways to adapt logistics solutions to this market segment, which ultimately proved to be correct and gave the company an advantage over other logistics service providers.
I believe that if you have a market presence and are constantly working to improve your services, adapt your services to market requirements and make timely decisions, the results will come.
I must point out that communication with decision-makers in Croatia is extremely good, but Croatia must work to strengthen the digitalization of business operations, both in public administration and in the economy.
- What are you most proud of in your work at the helm of Intereuropa?
The greatest value in Intereuropa are the people. I am proud of all my colleagues. Despite the sacrifices in difficult times, we created a new business culture and together we wrote a success story. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the entire Intereuropa team for their excellent work and to the member of the Management Board, Mrs. Marija Štajduhar, with whom we have successfully overcome the business challenges from the past year and are ready to enter a new one.