The UK, said ACBP co-founder Krešimir Krajnović, nurtures a special business culture that contains a part of the European, but also the American spirit.
There are really a lot of opportunities for Croatian companies in the country, but it is always easier to succeed if you have the knowledge and support of a professional business network of experts behind you, he pointed out, saying that this was precisely why they established the association, to create a community where members actively support each other, professionally and privately. In the last year, the association has reached nearly 400 members.
Croatia exports goods worth €248 million to UK, and imported €137 million in 2023
HUP Director General Irena Weber said that in 2023, Croatia exported goods worth €248 million to the United Kingdom and imported €137 million, which indicates a trade surplus of €110 million. In the export of services, the export of ICT services stands out at the level of around €150 million, which positions the United Kingdom as the fourth largest Croatian export market for IT services.
On the other hand, there is a huge interest of the British in Croatia as a tourist destination, so last year's revenue from British travellers doubled compared to the pre-pandemic 2019, amounting to €1.3 billion.
The United Kingdom represents one of the most vibrant markets in the world, with a rich business culture and strong influence, and the data clearly show the potential for growth and development of economic cooperation between Croatia and the United Kingdom, said Weber.
In this context, she said, the traditional interest of Croatians in studying in the UK should be mentioned. This is a potential that we must continue to develop, because precisely on this potential can we improve our mutual business relations, Weber pointed out.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Croatia, Simon Thomas, underscored that most was done to improve international relations by dynamic people who through their everyday lives build a link between Croatia and the United Kingdom.
According to him, these are tourists who come on holiday, as well as business people who see opportunities for development in both markets.
The Association of Croatian British Professionals is living proof that there is a need for a dynamic link between the two countries and proof that there is huge potential for companies that want to do business in both markets, he said.