Organized by the Italian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the prestigious ITA CRO Business Award 2024 event was held at Lauba, on November 2th., where awards were presented to the best Italian investors for their significant contribution to the development of the Croatian economy. This year’s event carried a special celebratory tone, as the Chamber marked ten years of successful operations in Croatia, emphasizing the strong economic, cultural, and social ties between Italy and Croatia.
The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony for the Chamber’s members who had been part of its vision and mission since the very beginning. These members were recognized as pioneers of Italian-Croatian economic cooperation, with their projects and investments being key to the Chamber’s growth and promotion over the past decade.
The President of the Chamber, Aldo di Biagio, emphasized the significance of this moment: “Ten years of the Chamber’s work is not just a celebration of time—it is a celebration of exceptional effort, partnerships, and shared success. Our mission has always been to foster growth and innovation in both economies, and tonight we celebrate the people and projects that made this possible.” The event gathered over 300 guests, including business leaders, political officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. Attendees enjoyed a carefully curated program combining business excellence with cultural delights.
The stage featured performances by the popular Italian group Sanremo and Neapolitan tenor Enzo Picone, while exhibition spaces offered an opportunity to taste and promote premium products from both Italy and Croatia. Over the past ten years, the Italian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce has served as a key bridge between the two countries. Italy, as one of Croatia’s most important partners, has been the largest trading partner for the past two years, with Italian investors employing over 20,000 people in Croatia. In the sectors of infrastructure, industry, and culture, joint projects represent a successful example of international partnership. Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Croatia, praised the importance of Italian investors in his speech: “The Croatian economy is growing thanks to investments that bring not only capital but also knowledge, technology, and jobs. Italian investors play a crucial role in this process, and their commitment makes them true partners of Croatia.”
Italy’s Ambassador to Croatia, Paolo Trichilo, who is also the honorary president of the Chamber, expressed pride in the fruitful cooperation between the two countries: “The relations between Italy and Croatia have never been stronger. Our history, geography, and shared values make us natural partners, and this event is a testament to our mutual support and success.” As guests mingled in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying fine culinary specialties and wines from both countries, the evening also provided a networking opportunity to exchange ideas about future projects and investments. The Italian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce concluded the celebration with a clear message: the ten years behind us lay the foundation for an even more successful future.
Source and photos : The Italian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce