Croatian PM Orešković Presents Investment Projects at Summit in London

Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković (photo: Teva)

Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković has presented investment projects to potential investors at the Western Balkans Investment Summit of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London on Monday…

Beginning his address by saying that he is an optimist by nature, Orešković told the Summit in London that he believed that Croatia, and the region, presented a great opportunity for investment. The Prime Minister said that investment would bring mutual prosperity, and ensure a platform for greater cooperation and a brighter future for Croatian citizens.

“We will pay special attention to all activities that encourage economic growth, create jobs and a positive investment climate, and raise the standard of living of our citizens”, Orešković told leaders at the Summit.

When talking specific projects, Orešković said the construction of a LNG terminal on the northern Adriatic island of Krk, an Adriatic-Ionian gas pipeline, an Adriatic-Ionian motorway and the Croatian section of the pan-European transport corridor 5c which runs from Hungary via eastern Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southern Croatian port of Ploce, were important for both the public and private sector.

The Prime Minister has stated that one of his main priorities will be reducing the nation’s public debt. He cited activating around 500 million euros in dormant capital as one of the main tools in helping achieve that goal. He also plans to improve Croatia’s credit rating so as to ensure lower costs of borrowing, focus on better drawing of EU funds and create a better ‘doing business’ environment but cutting red tape.

In his address on Monday, Orešković said he was the only PM in attendance who had been an investor. In his role at CEO of Pliva pharmaceutical company he said he had invested about 250 million euros.