Croatians from all over the world gather to turn challenges into economic opportunities

Meeting G2 Conference. in Zagreb (Photo: Meeting G2 Conference)

ZAGREB, 15 November 2024 – The jubilee 10th Meeting G2 Conference, titled A Decade of Business Connections, brought together approximately 200 participants from 15 countries.

Sponsored by key national institutions, including the President of Croatia, the Croatian Government, the Croatian Parliament, the Ministry of Demographics and Immigration, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, and the Croatian Heritage Foundation, the conference highlights a decade of fostering connections among businesspeople of Croatian heritage.

In his opening address, Antun Krešimir Buterin, President of the Meeting G2 Association, reflected on the initiative’s achievements over the past 10 years.

“We have facilitated networking for business professionals of Croatian origin with over 300 companies and startups. Across all our conferences, we’ve gathered more than 2,000 participants from 33 countries, resulting in hundreds of business collaborations.

Our goal is to bring talented individuals from the diaspora together with local innovators seeking fresh inspiration, mentorship, or reliable partnerships.

By doing so, we aim to stimulate the flow of capital in both directions and help domestic companies access international markets through our global network.

We dream of transforming the global Croatian diaspora into an economic advantage, a weapon, and a tool. Croatia has the potential to be wealthier than Switzerland, happier than Singapore, and more efficient than Denmark,” he declared.

Antun Krešimir Buterin (Photo: Meeting G2 Conference)

Expanding Diplomatic Reach

Addressing the audience, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić-Radman, announced plans to open several Croatian embassies worldwide.

“We plan to establish embassies in Peru, where over 230,000 people of Croatian descent reside, as well as in São Paulo, Brazil, Wellington, New Zealand, and Mexico.

In Vancouver, Canada, home to 50,000 Croats, we intend to open a general consulate. Voting is currently limited to diplomatic-consular offices, which is unacceptable given the vast distances.

For example, travelling from Ottawa to Vancouver takes six hours by air—who can afford such a journey to vote? Without establishing new offices, we distance ourselves from our people.

We need to open representations wherever possible—nothing is too expensive when it comes to maintaining these connections,” said Grlić-Radman.

Gordan Grlić-Radman (Photo: Meeting G2 Conference)

Adapting for the Future

Presidential Economic Advisor Velibor Mačkić highlighted the need for Croatia to reshape its economic strategy.

“Croatia must be both aggressive and attractive in its approach. Since 2013, we have shifted our growth structure, entering a new economic phase. Joining the EU prompted a second wave of emigration, leaving us with one million fewer people over the past three decades.

If we fail to act, we could lose another million in the next ten years. Croatia must do better, and to succeed, we need to work together. Collaboration means tapping into the knowledge, experience, and capital of those who may no longer live here but are eager to contribute,” he emphasised.

Inspiration and Networking

A keynote speech by celebrated Croatian mountaineer Stipe Božić, titled Croatians at the Summit of the World – Conquering Peaks and Overcoming Obstacles, captivated attendees.

Božić shared insights from his 40 years of climbing some of the world’s highest peaks. “Mountaineering teaches us that the bonds formed during these challenging journeys are as profound as those forged in times of war.

Motivation cannot be taught; it must come from within. But with motivation, you can push the boundaries of human potential. Yet, no achievement is possible without a team. In sport, as in mountaineering, what matters is not a team member’s background but their ability to function as part of a cohesive unit,” he remarked.

The Who is Who in G2 session offered every participant 30 seconds to present their business and specify potential connections, followed by networking opportunities. A panel discussion on Croatian sparkling wines highlighted the nation’s excellence in this area, showcasing how Croatian wines, crafted from indigenous grape varieties, are gaining global recognition.

(Photo: Meeting G2 Conference)

A Packed Programme

The day featured nine panels, culminating in the presentation of MG2 Excellence Awards to 10 entrepreneurs from Croatia and the diaspora for their outstanding contributions to the country’s economy.

The full programme is available online, and interested participants can still register for the conference.