The awards were presented to the winners at a ceremony in Zagreb pooling almost the entire Croatian government, including Prime Minister Sanader.
Addressing the gathered, Sanader said the image of the entrepreneur in Croatia must be changed as they had so far been perceived mostly as people who were walking on the brink of the law.
They create new values and create new jobs putting their own existence at risk, which is why we must offer them full support. This is particularly important now when Croatia is on the threshold of joining developed European Union countries, the PM said.
Sanader added that it was necessary to work on reducing Euro-scepticism.
Entering the EU, Croatia will close a circle it started 15 years ago when it became an independent country, Sanader said, warning that due to a poor demographic situation the question posed itself who would finish this circle.