"Connecting the Doers: Taking Croatia to the Next Level" drew representatives of the Croatian-American business and academic communities to share know-how and connect business partners, investors and clients, the HGK said in a press release.
Croatia-US partnership has been strengthened by the recent revocation of US visas for those with Croatian passports and the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement, Burilović said, adding that further efforts must be invested to facilitate Croatian companies' access to the US market.
The HGK will intensify efforts to achieve the full potential of that agreement, which is especially important for IT companies, he said.
US investment is expected to increase now that Croatia is part of the euro and Schengen area, an integral part of the "Western world," he added.
US investment in Croatia has been rising in recent years and last year the US was Croatia's sixth most important trade partner.
The potential is much bigger, given that 1.2 million Croats live in the US, Burilović said, adding that the diaspora is "one of the most logical channels for entering foreign markets" and that the benefits of cooperation between Croatians at home and abroad "can be multifold."
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, per the HGK press release, underlined the importance of the US-Croatia partnership and alliance, saying that in recent years they have intensified both politically and economically.
The Croatian community has an excellent position in American society, where it is not only well-integrated but has also achieved a respectable influence in every sphere, he said.
Today's conference focused on medicine and medical services.
Presenting Croatia's potential in health and wellness tourism, Ivana Kolar of the HGK said the global health tourism market was projected to reach $350 billion by 2030 with a 11.6% growth rate.
Although Asia-Pacific is the biggest market, Europe is the fastest growing one and it is projected to reach $190 million by 2030.
Croatia can prolong its season through health tourism, Kolar said, so the HGK will focus on opening new markets and communication channels and participating in the work of world associations which promote health tourism and sharing know-how at global level.