As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 23rd of April, 2020, the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP) welcomes the government’s plan to relax the current anti-epidemic measures and allow for the opening of more extensive business activities, as this is an important step on the road to the country’s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic, which is still being carefully monitored.
”Today’s decision from the government provides a clear direction for the intensification of business activities and people’s return to their jobs, which is a prerequisite for generating income and securing funds for workers’ wages. Additionally, an important dimension is this psychological moment for all of us, in which we’ve been given a clear indication that the situation is getting better,” they said in a statement.
“We urge employers to receive clear and unambiguous instructions on how to engage in their work safely, and as soon as possible. Precise instructions are needed for companies to be able to do whatever is necessary to operate in these new conditions, in accordance with the instructions of the epidemiologists. In this way, the conditions that guarantee the safety of employees, as well as of clients, customers and consumers, and the continuation of economic activity without the threat of fines and closures due to possible unclear interpretations, will be ensured quickly. We think that it’s important for us, together with the government, to ensure that the measures that are being sought are applicable and practicable,” said HUP’s Davor Majetic.
HUP also urged the Croatian Government to draw up, as soon as possible, criteria according to which epidemiological indicators will allow for the re-opening of prohibited sectors. Based on this criteria, businesses will be able to monitor the situation and prepare for a possible re-start. In addition, when the government publishes such sector-specific guidance, business owners will be able to assess whether it is possible for them to operate profitably or sustainably at all under such conditions.
Autumn will more than likely be met with a large number of unemployed people across Croatia, we need urgent measures to address this.
With this anti-coronavirus measure relaxation phase, the strong focus of HUP’s efforts are focused on measures to stimulate the economy again and launch a new economic cycle as Croatia now needs to create the preconditions and solutions for economic momentum in the coming year. Conservative estimates predict that by the end of the year, there will be 300,000 unemployed people in Croatia, so solutions to boost the economy are urgently required.
Here are nine essential prerequisites that HUP proposes to revitalise the domestic economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic:
The maintaining of company liquidity
The urgent analysis of all para-fiscal levies – reducing the fees for who pay the most, urgently, and for at least a fixed amount of time, and then permanently reducing and eliminating fees where it is possible when further analysis is carried out
The reorganisation of public administration and territorial organisation of the state
The digitisation of the state
A change to Croatia’s labour legislation
Continued procurement and public investment processes
The strengthening of private sector investment and better cooperation between local entrepreneurs/businesses and local government units
The payment of VAT upon realisation
The issue of self-sufficiency to be taken as a national security issue, primarily in regard to food and medicine
The strategic development of the food and medicine industry in Croatia to achieve a higher level of self-sufficiency in general
As a result, HUP will continue to talk intensively with the Croatian Government in order to prepare everyone together to re-start the Croatian economy
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