Opportunities for improving economic ties between Croatia and Canada

(Photo credit: MVEP)

Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, today on Thursday in Toronto with members of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, led by John Marion, Ivan Grbešić, Wanita Kelava and Joe Draganjac.

“This Chamber not only contributes to the political, economic, social and cultural development of Canada, but by using the experiences gained in Canada, it also significantly contributes to the development of Croatia.  We are sincerely proud of the achievements of the Croatian-Canadian community”, emphasized the Minister in a conversation with representatives of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

Also, the topics of discussion were the current geopolitical changes that encourage Croatia and Canada to work together in solving challenges and strengthening common defense and security, resilience of the energy system and secure supply chains.  

A further incentive to explore opportunities for economic cooperation is offered by the Croatian-Canadian trade exchange, which recorded an increase in 2022.

The representatives highlighted the successful cooperation between Croatia and Canada in the field of tourism.  Croatia was visited by more than a hundred thousand Canadian tourists last year, and direct air lines are being re-established.

“I am convinced that the Canadian- Croatian Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide us with strategic advice on how to strengthen our relations with Canada, and that our two countries will continue this partnership and relationship,” concluded Grlić Radman.

Minister Grlić Radman also met with the President of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Victor Dodig, with whom he discussed the possibilities of improving Croatian-Canadian economic cooperation, and thanked him for his contribution to strengthening the ties between Croatia and Canada, as well as the connection of the Croatian emigration with the Homeland.  

(Photo credit: MVEP)

They exchanged opinions on encouraging trade and increasing direct investment by Canadian companies in Croatia.

The Minister also visited the Croatian Franciscan Center – Queen of Peace in Norval, which has been a place of gathering for numerous Croatian emigrants for decades, and emphasized that togetherness and the Croatian spirit contribute to the cultural bridge between the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian diaspora in Canada.