Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković and Austrian Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger held in Vienna on Wednesday, 13 July 2011, a wor

At the meeting, held following the conference “Croatia – 20 Years of Independence –The Potential of Croatia’s Contribution to the European Union”, possibilities for further advancement of bilateral economic cooperation were discussed, in particular in the context of Croatia’s future membership in the European Union

At the meeting, held following the conference “Croatia – 20 Years of Independence –The Potential of Croatia’s Contribution to the European Union”, possibilities for further advancement of bilateral economic cooperation were discussed, in particular in the context of Croatia’s future membership in the European Union.

Minister Jandroković thanked his colleague Spindelegger for organising the meeting with representatives of the Austrian business community, and highlighted that this visit is another confirmation of the long-lasting and strong relations between the two countries.

The minister also said that this meeting takes place at an important and symbolic time for the Republic of Croatia, coinciding with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of its independence and the successful conclusion of the accession negotiations with the European Union. In regard to this, the minister expressed his belief that Croatia will accede to full membership of the EU on 1 July 2013 as its 28th Member State, and thanked Austria and minister Spindelegger once again for their continuous support to Croatia during the accession process.

Minister Jandroković said that Croatia’s membership in the European Union will open new possibilities for further deepening the economic bilateral relations with Austria. He noted that in the following decade the priority will be to realize all the comparative advantages of the Croatian economy so as to achieve a more pronounced economic growth and GDP growth and attract more foreign investments. He also pointed out that the Croatian Government places strong emphasis on creating a favourable business climate and promoting foreign direct investment.

The minister also highlighted the fact that Austrian investors are the largest foreign investors in the Republic of Croatia with 6.5 billion euro invested between 1993 and 2000, which amounts to 25% of the total foreign investment. He also expressed his belief that the upcoming appointment of a commercial attaché at the Croatian embassy in Vienna will contribute to further improving mutual economic relations, increasing Croatian export to Austria, and further increasing Austrian investment in Croatia.

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