By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

“Any Korean company, which might be interested to invest in tourism and hospitality industry in Croatia, can find a very attractive business opportunity,” said Ambassador H.E. Damir Kušen of Croatia in Seoul.

Delivering welcome speech at the Croatian-Korean Business Forum held at Coryo Daeyeongak Tower in Seoul, Amb. Kusen said, “Let me remind you that Croatia has more than 1700 kilometers of the coastline with a lot of opportunities for building tourism infrastructure and facilities. With an introduction of the new direct flights between Seoul and Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, the two countries are becoming neighbors.”

Noting that geography is never obstacle in building friendship, the ambassador said, “Korea and Croatia are friendly countries. We share the same values. We both have a vision of peaceful and prosperous world. Croatia is a member of NATO that provides security and stability and also a member of the European Union.”

Commenting that Croatia is a very attractive tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage, immense natural beauties and hospitality of the Croatian people, he said, “The Croatian tourist industry has shown an amazing recovery with around 21 million foreign visitors who made 108 million nights spent in Croatia.”

Meanwhile, Tomislav Radoš, Vice-President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, said, “Croatia is not only known for its beautiful natural environment and sports, but also for its rapidly growing industries such as manufacturing and information and communications technology (ICT), which promise great investment opportunities.” 

Delivering a keynote speech, Dr. Boris Vujčić, Governor of the Croatian National Bank, emphasized, "Since joining the euro area, the risk of exchange rate fluctuations in Croatia has been reduced, and interest rates on new loans are lower than in neighboring non-euro countries such as Poland and Czechia.”

Park An-sook, Director of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea, Cosmetics Committee, presented the current status of Korean cosmetics and healthcare exports to Croatia. 

Kim Hyung-yi, Senior Vice President of T’way Air, explained the operation status of the newly launched direct Incheon-Zagreb flight and future business plans.

Business agreements between the Korea-Croatia Business Association and the Croatian Chamber of Economy and between the Korea-Croatia Business Association and Croatian-Korean Business Club were also signed at the forum. 

More than 100 Croatian and Korean business leaders, including Kwon Ki-chang, Vice-Chairman of KOIMA and Dr. Luka Burilović, President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, attended the forum.