ZAGREB, September 14, 2019 – Croatian Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts Darko Horvat met with Russia’s Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev in Dubrovnik on Friday and the Russian minister underscored that interest exists to further expand cooperation between Russian and Croatian companies and invited Horvat to attend the Agro-Industrial fair that will be held October 9 – 12 in Moscow.
The ministry said in a press release that over the past three years economic-trade cooperation between Croatia and Russia was constantly increasing, which can be seen in commodity exchange statistics as well as in the growing number of arrivals and bed nights generated by Russian tourists. An inter-government commission for economic and science-technological cooperation, which Horvat and Patrushev chair, especially contributes to bilateral relations.
“The commission isn’t just a formality but an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, clearly define the objectives and direction of bilateral cooperation, and deepen the good relations between our countries. That is why I am pleased that our meetings are held according to plans and that we are prepared to work on having our friendly and economic relations grow,” Minister Horvat underscored, adding that he was particularly pleased that in the first 7 months of this year the number of Russian tourists had increased by 10% compared to the same period last year.
Patrushev confirmed that interest exists to further expand cooperation between Russian and Croatian companies. He invited Minister Horvat to attend the Agro-Industrial Fair in Moscow in October.
The more often we meet, the more cooperation between our countries gets better and more successful. It is important to talk openly about all issues that can help us in further intensifying our economic cooperation, Patrushev said.
Both sides expressed their satisfaction with a project to supply gas to the oil refinery in Bosanski Brod after the project’s key partners, Croatia’s Crodux and Russia’s Zarubezhneft, singed binding documents in May this year regarding the project’s implementation.
Cooperation continues to focus on industry, energy, tourism, agriculture, science and technology, the ministry said in the press release.
Total investments by Russia’s investors in Croatia to date amount to more than 410 million euro and in the first four months of 2019 Croatia’s exports to Russia increased by 21.6% on the year.
The 9th meeting of the inter-government commission will be held in Moscow before the end of this year, Minister Horvat advised.
More news about relations between Croatia and Russia can be found in the Politics section.
