The northernmost county parts from the state business average in many ways; smallest but positioned in an important European corridor
Thanks to a long industrial tradition, this county is known for developed metal, construction and processing industries, while recently developing the IT sector and service industry connected to fast rising tourism.
Unlike the rest of Croatia, Međimurje doesn’t lack in foreign investments. Due to favourable business conditions and educated workforce, many foreign companies set up their production here. Along with large companies, small and medium businesses are also prospering so the unemployment rate is among the lowest in Croatia.
The above average competitiveness is aided by the quality of the business environment, numerous business zones and cooperation between educational and economic systems.
Most of the leading companies are based in the capital Čakovec, with Mursko Središće and Prelog as larger cities. Thanks to all of this, the Međimurje economy is recovering faster than the Croatian average. Last year the Međimurje businesses made 1.6 billion Euro income, almost 13% more than in 2014.
Despite favourable economic trends, the salaries here are below Croatian average as much of the workforce is connected to work intensive industries such as textile and wood.
But this may change as the county in cooperation with municipalities and cities secures free books for all grade schools, transportation for all high schools and financial support for students.
Among leading Međimurje entrepreneurs are those from the metal, wood and textile branches. On top of the income list is local retailer Metss, followed by production companies such as Tubla, owned by Italian Calzedonia, which opened in Čakovec one of the largest European sock factories in 2002. Today it employs 600 workers and generates 40 million Euro export.
Although the area is a mecca for multinational companies, local producers fare well too. Among the best are termotechnical equipment producer Centrometal, machine builder Eko Međimurje and meat industry Vajda.
http://www.tportal.hr/biznis/trendovi/432428/U-Medimurju-posluje-neka-druga-Hrvatska.html
