Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković presented today a large investment by the American IBM, which will open a technical centre in Zagreb. It will provide jobs for 500 highly qualified workers who primarily speak foreign languages well
“This investment is very important for our economy as it opens 500 new jobs, and IBM will cooperate with our schools. The youth that left the country will hopefully come back and gt jobs in the IBM centre. It’s a great message for Croatia that such a large company chose us – it sends a message that we are open and can compete not only in EU, but in the world. We have great people, knowledge and opportunities,” Orešković said, as reported by Tportal.hr on July 20, 2016.
Damir Zec, IBM business director in Croatia, pointed out this is a prime example of how more can be done for Croatia. “We believed that Croatia has capable people and can provide quality service. Croatia has shown it can breathe as one to gain such an investment,” Zec stated, adding that the business environment in Croatia is quite good, while not disclosing the value of the investment.
Zec emphasised the centre will be open 24 hours and 365 days a year and will provide support for all IBM clients in the world. They expect the centre to open in the first quarter of next year and will primarily have jobs for people who speak foreign languages quite well. IBM is still searching for a location in Zagreb.
Negotiations with IBM began during the government of Zoran Milanović. According to Slovenian media, competing were also Slovenia and Slovakia, but Croatia offered better conditions Allegedly IBM demanded large tax benefits.
Economy Minister Tomislav Panenić said a few months ago that IBM is not offered and special conditions, bit Croatia has a better investment package than surrounding countries
Slovenian media wrote IBM’s technical support centre is a project that means the concentration and transfer of such services from Germany, Italy and other Western states to the European east, where the workforce is qualified, but cheaper.
