He rated important steps were made in the previous period, noting the reduction of debt and budget deficit and improvement of the credit rating forecast from negative to stable
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković pointed out on Wednesday at the Entrepreneurs Day, organised by the Croatian Employers’ Association, that alongside political stability, the pillars of government activity are economic growth, creation of new and quality jobs, halt of emigration, demographic renewal and social solidarity, as Hina reported on May 31, 2017.
He rated important steps were made in the previous period, noting the reduction of debt and budget deficit and improvement of the credit rating forecast from negative to stable. Economic growth is stable, export is growing, unemployment is reduced, and the more incentive business climate is resulting in greater interest of foreign investors, Plenković said, adding one of the structural measures for securing sustainable long-term growth is increased production
He reminded that in April there were 26 thousand less unemployed than last year, and the total number is less than 200 thousand, with that number decreasing further in the tourism season.
“Additional backwind to our politics came from the European Commission decision on the exit of Croatia from excessive deficit procedure. This is especially important as in that way we proved in a longer time period that we can consolidate our finances,” he said, pointing out that recommendations the EC had are identical to the government priorities.
Speaking on the central topics of this year’s Entrepreneurs Day, changes on the labour market, the PM noted the aim of all activities in this area it “to create conditions for effective, developed and regulated labour market which will provide for dignified work, but also encompass the special needs of persons with unfavourable labour market positions,” referring to youth, long-term unemployed and disabled persons.
The most important part of the employment policy is a nine-measure package named “From Measure to Career,” with 15 billion kunas available, 300 million more than in previous years, mostly from EU funds. Plenković said these measures would include around 50 thousand people.
He stated the government is aware of the lack of workforce in certain services.
“Measures of additional specialisation and quality cooperation with businesses can secure the needed workforce, with an important role of the Croatian Employment Institute, which has focused on occupations needed on the labour market, especially in tourism construction, metal industry, shipbuilding and transportation,” said the Prime Minister.
He emphasised the labour market and pension system are connected, and a line of government measures is directed “to secure the long-term sustainability of the pension system in rather unfavourable demographic conditions.”
“Hence we will begin legislation changes to connect the retirement age and expected lifespan, discouraging early retirement, enticing longer employment and strengthening other options. We will take into account the relevance of the pension level and social inclusion in older age, but at this moment the priority is to secure a sustainable pension system,” he stated.
