The 8th 16+1 summit will be held in Dubrovnik on April 11 and 12.
HGK, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts is organising the 9th China-CEE, Business Forum on the margins of the summit.
"This is the greatest opportunity ever to increase exports and for new investment cycles," Burilovic said and added that greater affinity by Chinese consumers for our products can be expected as a result.
"It is essential to resolve the issue of certificates and export licences for our entrepreneurs. HGK is intensively working on standardising those procedures in cooperation with the relevant institutions in the two countries, and we believe that the dairy industry is just the beginning," Burilovic said.
Croatia will sign nine bilateral agreements in Dubrovnik, HGK noted, and one of those will be between the Agriculture Ministry and the Chinese General Administration of Customs which will enable milk and dairy product exports.
The Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) and the Chinese Development Bank will also sign an agreement that will facilitate access to Chinese capital for Croatian development projects.
"Chinese investments on the global scene have until now been directed mainly in infrastructure and resources, but that is changing," Burilovic said, adding that the Chinese are turning to greenfield investments in production with quality jobs. "That is why we have equal room for investments and for exporting quality products, but also to strengthen cooperation directed at companies that are already present in China," he added.
It is expected that more than 100 companies will attend the business forum and individual meetings will be held between Chinese and European companies.
HGK said that the advancement of economic cooperation between Croatia and China would be most likely in the area of transport and distribution of commodities. Chinese companies can use the opportunities provided by the Ploce, Zadar and Rijeka seaports.
Croatian tourist agencies are also showing a growing interest in China as well as promoting Croatia as a tourist destination in China.
Statistics show that trade between Croatia and China in 2018 amounted to US$ 1.1 billion and that it increased by $200 million compared to 2017.