Another step towards better economic relations between China and Croatia.
Trade between China and Croatia last year amounted to 656 million euros, which is not satisfactory, especially if we take into account the potential of the Chinese market. But, I am convinced that the presence of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) on the ground in China will contribute to better and more prosperous cooperation in the future, said HGK president Luka Burilović yesterday, opening a representative office of the Chamber in Shanghai, which marked the 25th anniversary of establishment of economic relations between the two countries, reports Večernji List on November 30, 2017.
China has 2.6 times more inhabitants than the whole of the European Union, and the standard of living and the economy are continually improving. There is a vast potential for placement of quality products and services which Croatia undoubtedly has. That is why the HGK, with its new office, will work on strengthening the image and brand of both Croatia and high-quality Croatian products.
“The best opportunities for our exporters are premium products, distributed to targeted clients with higher incomes, from food companies, machinery manufacturers and equipment to IT companies. Good quality products and marketing strategy are the keys to success,” said Burilović at yesterday’s Croatian-Chinese Economic Forum. The most significant difficulties for Croatian exporters in China are undefined certificates and procedures for specific products, and the resolution of these problems in cooperation with the institutions of both countries will be one of the priorities of the HGK, he added.
It is not easy to do business in China, agreed Croatian Ambassador to China Nebojša Koharović, but added that the 13-trillion-dollar economy meant that Croatian companies had much to offer to China.
This has been confirmed by Podravka and Badel, companies which have been present there for years and which now, after the opening of the HGK representative office, hope for even stronger results. “It is essential to have a partner that is influential in the Chinese market. It is necessary to be present, to be here, to live and work here,” said Damir Butković, the director of the development of new markets and projects at Badel 1862.
President of the Shanghai International Trade Chamber Yang Jianrong said Shanghai, as the global business centre, was interested in cooperation, investments in tourism and infrastructure projects.
“Croatia is becoming very popular here, especially among those interested in golf. We would like to invest in golf courses if the Croatian government were to offer us good conditions. In China, we have 480 golf courses, and there is no more room for construction, and therefore Croatia is interesting,” said investor Li Wei from L&L Golf at the yesterday’s Croatian-Chinese Economic Forum, where a cooperation agreement between the HGK and the Chinese chambers was signed.
Translated from Večernji List.
