The head of the Croatian Chamber of the Economy (HGK), Nadan Vidosevic, said that trade between the two countries had increased dramatically in recent years, but that this was no reason not to explore new possibilities.
Membership in the EU and NATO is a key word for a successful economy because it guarantees macroeconomic stability and attracts investments, PM Sanader said at the event in the HGK offices, congratulating Bulgaria on admission to the EU on January 1.
Bulgaria supports Croatia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, Stanishev said, adding that a positive atmosphere was created in the Western Balkans after the fall of the regime of Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic.
He welcomed the increase in bilateral trade from USD 9 million in 2000 to almost 240 million in 2006.
Stanishev admitted that there was a certain degree of trade imbalance and that the two countries must find ways to adjust the interests of their companies.
Trade in 2006 amounted to USD 341 million, of which Croatian exports to Bulgaria were 47.8 million, while imports from Bulgaria amounted to 293 million.
Stanishev said the two countries should also consider cooperation in third markets, a proposal the Croatian PM supported.
Stanishev said that Bulgaria was an example of successful economic development with a six percent GDP growth rate and a stable macroeconomic and fiscal situation in recent years.
Bulgaria is one of the few EU countries with budgetary surplus, which is the result of the financial discipline of public institutions, he said.
The event in the HGK offices also included individual talks between Croatian and Bulgarian business people.