Croatia Chamber of Economy President Nadan Vidosevic, during the 9th North-South Europe Economy Forum held in Izmir has spoken to Gözlem Economy and Politics Journal of Izmir about the membership process of Croatia, Croatia-Turkey relationships and possible steps to develop the relationships.
Croatia Chamber of Economy President Nadan Vidosevic, during the 9th North-South Europe Economy Forum held in Izmir has spoken to Gözlem Economy and Politics Journal of Izmir about the membership process of Croatia, Croatia-Turkey relationships and possible steps to develop the relationships.
Gözlem: Do you think Croatia will be EU member till the end of 2009? What do you think about the membership process?
Nadan Vidosevic: I don't think so. It would be hard till the end of this year. We stil have negotiation chapters ongoing. I expect the membership in 2011. on the other hand, we are waiting for local elections in May 2009. the elections will be also important step during this membership process. For the first time direct election model will be implemented. Both municipality and national elections will ocur. We will see what happens after the elections.
Gözlem: What do you think about the EU membership process of Turkey? Could you make a comparison between two countries' processes? What would you recommend to Turkey?
Nadan Vidosevic: I cannot make a comparison. On the other hand, I can say Turkey is very strong in terms of economy. Economy of Croatia is not so strong when compared to Turkey. and, also Turkey's role is different from Croatia. Turkey is a bridge between two continents. One side on Europe, the other side on Asia. And there are also Arabic countries and the Middle East. Turkey is developed in terms of military, and economy. In this case, we have to optimist. Both Croatia and Turkey already takes part in European society. Two thirds of our countries' economy is executed with European countries. On the other hand, the role of Europe in contemporary world must be considered well. It would be a wrong approach to do every reform to enter into European Union. I believe that reforms ought to be done in order to create a more efficient, mobilised Croatian society. My recommendation might be this.
Gözlem: What do you think about the global financial crisis? Would Croatia have an advantage after the crisis? What do you recommend to the emerging economies?
Nadan Vidosevic: It is obvious that Turkey's economy is in a better condition than Croatia. On the other hand, Croatia is strong in terms of highways, railway networks, thus logistics. We make great effort to invest in infrastructure. We did a good job after the war period. There is a great change in global economy currently. The Money will become more expensive. Croatia also has been influenced in the beginning of this crisis. Our country's economy is mostly dependent on demand and domestic market. And we should find ways to increase investments in our country.
Gözlem: What do you think about Turkey-Croatia trade relationships and regional cooperation?
Nadan Vidosevic: Our relationship is more oriented to import with Turkey. in 2007, Turkey's export to Croatia was almost $355 million, while import was almost $76 million. In 2008, Turkey's export was almost $248 million, while import was $79 million. This relationship should be balanced in favour of two countries. Turkey might benefit from Croatia as a gate to the West, also logistics and infrastructure might be useful. Regional cooperation is a significant topic. Without having good relationships with neighbours, states cannot develop. Thus, we can consider a Scandinavian model. Cooperation among states sharing a region is a must to expand to the world.
Gözlem: In which sectors is Croatia strong?
Nadan Vidosevic: Croatia produces in several sectors such as electric transformators, railway networks, food, confectionery, spices, chemicals, pharmaceuticals. Especially transport vehicles.
Gözlem: How would you appraise Turkey-Croatia relationships in general?
Nadan Vidosevic: Turkey has been contributing to Croatian culture since Ottoman Empire. We inherited a culture from Ottomans. For example you call eggplant ‘patlican', we also call like that. You say ‘yastik' to pillow, we call it ‘yastuk'. You call chicken ‘piliç' and we also call like that. Another example, the word ‘çama' is coming from ‘çam' which is pine. There are many words in Croatia language, even we have a Turkish dictionary that we can say there is a Turkish-Croatia language. Also, Turkey's support during the war years will be recalled always. Finally we expect more tourist from Turkey to Croatia. We send many Croatian to Turkey because of its thousands of years of great history, and natural beauties. On the other hand, Croatia has so many beauties that cannot be missed.
Press releases
