April the 20th, 2023 - Eight Chinese companies have their eyes peeled on the lookout for Croatian business opportunities as the country's economic recovery proves more rapid than anticipated.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Brnic writes, China is on the rise once again and is, as stated above, recovering more rapidly than expected, and at the same time it is again in a proactive campaign to break into all kinds of foreign markets. As such, a new delegation will arrive in the Republic of Croatia for the Chinese Business Forum next week.

New B2B talks between Chinese and Croatian businessmen will be held under the scope of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), and this time, representatives of companies from the Shaanxi province, from the north-east of China, the place from which the historic Silk Road ran, are coming in search of partners.

The delegation consists of eight Chinese companies that are interested in cooperation in the field of the metal industry, mechanical engineering, parts for shipbuilding, materials for the furniture industry, solar energy, transport and trade. According to the HGK announcement on the matter, the delegation will be led by Zhai Beiqin, Deputy Director General of the Shaanxi Commerce Bureau.

Certain companies have prepared a list of companies in the Croatian business world in advance with which they want to meet and establish cooperation, for example; the company Ambohr Electric wants to export its ozone and oxygen generators to Croatia, and among others, they are interested in the distribution business of a company that deals with leading a healthy life - El kolibri.

The last such meeting of businessmen took place half a year ago, when a delegation of about fifteen Chinese companies arrived in the City of Zagreb for talks with those in the Croatian business world. The interest of Chinese companies in Croatia has been increasing since back in 2013, more precisely since joining the EU, but the coronavirus pandemic significantly slowed down activities and direct meetings.

However, imports into Croatia from China also grew strongly last year, in contrast to the export of Croatian goods to that large market, while this year started with a large decrease in the value of trade in both directions.

Namely, 85.5 million euros worth of goods were exported last year, which is a result worse by 3.7 percent than back in 2021, while imports grew strongly, by as much as 34 percent, to the sum of 1.369 billion euros. In the first month of 2023, however, exports fell by 36 percent on the annual level, and imports by 23 percent.

For more, check out our news and business sections.

March 16, 2023 - Starting tomorrow, Croatia will be officially included in the second series of group trips for Chinese tourists, as announced by the Chinese Embassy in Croatia.

As Poslovni reports, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Croatia held a press conference at the Esplanade Hotel, where the internal and external policy of the People's Republic of China in 2023 was discussed, as well as the Chinese point of view on various issues related to international relations between Croatia and China, current world events, changes and challenges in politics, economy. In addition, some main points from the "Two Sessions," an important event in China's political life, held these days, were also discussed.

Two sessions

H. E. Mr. Qi Qianjin, Ambassador of China to Croatia, emphasized four key points of this year's "Two Sessions". One is a reform, strengthening the optimization and adaptation of the responsibilities of institutions in the fields of science and technology, the financial regulatory framework, and big data, and reducing the number of staff in central government bodies by 5%. Another is development - in the past five years, China's GDP has increased to about 18 trillion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%, which ranks it second in the world. This year, stability will be a priority. The goal is to increase the GDP by 5%, which aligns with the consensus forecasts of international financial institutions. Looking ahead, relying on China's huge market size, complete industrial system, abundant human resources, solid foundations for development, and outstanding institutional advantages, China's economic growth will have unlimited prospects, which also provides more new opportunities for Croatia and other countries in the world. The third is openness, the fundamental state policy of China. In the past five years, China has decided to open up even more to the outside world and deepen mutually beneficial international economic and trade cooperation. The fourth is China's modernization, which strives to achieve shared prosperity for all instead of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. This means an increase in the Chinese people's purchasing power and scope of market consumption.

Chinese foreign policy

The meeting discussed China's foreign policy. H. E. Mr. Qi Qianjin emphasized that in the face of the complicated international situation, China's overall foreign policy remains unchanged, and China will continue to implement an independent foreign policy of peace and a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up; China will always be a builder of world peace, contribute to global development and defend international order. China will keep in mind the interests of the world, look at internationalism, and actively participate in global governance. Over the past ten years, President Xi Jinping has put forward several important initiatives and proposals, the Belt and Road Initiative, the shared values of humankind, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative. The main message of these initiatives is that countries are interdependent, humanity has a common future, and the international community must unite for cooperation.

This year, China's diplomacy will be carried out in the following five aspects: follow the guidelines of diplomacy at the highest level, and defend China's core interests. China opposes any form of hegemony and power politics, and Cold War mentality. It will build an extensive partnership relationship. The goal is openness and development. It will encourage high-quality development and openness to high standards. It will champion an open and inclusive world economy and create new opportunities for the world. It will move towards multilateralism. It will promote the building of a community with a future for all humanity, promote greater democracy in international relations, and make global governance more just and equitable. It will offer more, better Chinese insights and solutions to help solve humanity's common challenges.

Relations between China and the EU

Relations between China and the EU were also discussed; Mr. E. Mr. Qi Qianjin stated: "China has always seen the European Union as a comprehensive strategic partner and supports European integration. We believe that our interactions are an independent choice of the two parties based entirely on our respective strategic interests. The relationship between China and the EU is neither directed against any third party nor subordinated to or controlled by any third party. Trade and investment between the EU and China continue to grow. According to Eurostat data, the trade volume between China and the EU reached 856.3 billion euros in 2022, with an increase of 22.8%. China is the second-largest trading partner of the EU, the largest source of imports, and the third-largest export market. In the future, it is important to maintain good relations between China and the EU."

Relations between China and the USA

Mr. Qi Qianjin referred to the relations between China and the US and commented on the recent incident related to the drone. He emphasized that it was entirely an accident caused by force majeure. He stated that China does not pose a threat to the US and that China does not want to create problems. China is dedicated to promoting the healthy and stable development of relations with the US in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Taiwan question

Mr. Qi Qianjin also touched on the issue of Taiwan: "Taiwan is part of the territory of the People's Republic of China." It is the inviolable duty of all Chinese, including our compatriots in Taiwan, to carry out the great task of reunifying the motherland. This is our position on the Taiwan issue. Solving the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people, and no other country has the right to interfere."

The war in Ukraine

The crisis and the war in Ukraine were also discussed. China's Position on the Political Resolution of the Ukraine Crisis was recently published, which comprehensively and systematically explains China's position and proposals on the Ukraine crisis, which can be summed up in one sentence: to promote peace and negotiations.

The ambassador emphasized that China firmly rejects the use or threat of nuclear weapons, advocates that nuclear weapons should not be used, and that nuclear wars should not be fought. Last week, China donated 200,000 euros to Ukraine's nuclear safety technical assistance project through the International Atomic Energy Agency, supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency's efforts to strengthen the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities through practical action.

Chinese-Croatian relations

Since establishing diplomatic relations between China and Croatia 30 years ago, China has always considered Croatia a good friend and partner. The two sides have always respected each other, setting a good example of friendly cooperation between countries with different populations and social systems.

Economic and trade cooperation flourished. Last year, the trade volume between China and Croatia reached 2.42 billion US dollars, increasing more than 60 times in just 30 years. The Peljesac Bridge, a project of trilateral cooperation between China, Croatia, and the EU, opened to traffic as scheduled last year, becoming a symbol of friendship between the two nations. H. E. Mr. Qi Qianjin pointed out: "Since I arrived in Croatia a year and a half ago, Croatian friends from all walks of life have been full of praise, stressing that the bridge has helped Croatia achieve its long-awaited desire to connect the north and south of the country, strongly promoted local economic and social development, embodied China's speed and showed a good image of Chinese companies. Croatian government officials aptly call it the brightest pearl in the crown of Sino-Croatian relations."

The Senj wind farm, built by Chinese companies, annually provides about 530 million KWH of clean electricity for Croatia, helping the country achieve a green energy transformation and better cope with the current energy crisis. Chinese companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are dedicated to providing more high-quality products and services for Croatia. At the same time, high-quality agricultural products from Croatia, such as wine, olive oil, and truffles have been put on the tables of Chinese families. In the future, more high-quality food will enter the Chinese market, which is one of the priorities of the Chinese embassy, as well as work to strengthen mutual deepening and friendship between the two sides.

H. E. Mr. Qi Qianjin emphasized: "Croatia will be officially included in the list of the second series of group trips by Chinese citizens from tomorrow, and we believe that the number of Chinese tourists will recover this year or even exceed the number from 2019. In the future, we will constantly strive to strengthen the exchange and cooperation between the two countries at all levels and in all kinds of areas and to deepen the friendship between the two peoples. In particular, by hosting the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, we will use the potential for deepening cooperation and advancing practical cooperation in infrastructure, green energy, digitization, and agriculture as an opportunity. We also hope that our Croatian friends will take the opportunity and make good use of the benefits of China's rapid economic recovery and its large middle-class market of over 400 million people

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Travel section.

 September 30, 2022 - An African love story in Croatia, made in China, as The Chinese Embassy marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia, as well as 73 since the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

A very stimulating evening of Chinese culture to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia last night, as well as 73 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China. There is the full press release below, but there were also many details in the evening to reflect on. 

The Peljesac Bridge of course loomed large in proceedings, including one lesser known story, of a love found, initially in China where both the Croatian lady and husband from Togo, were studying, before moving to Croatia to work on the constuction of the bridge. 

A wonderful - and very diverse - show of Chinese music and culture. 

 Including traditional dance with the fan.

An inspiring peformance of the violin with dance. 

And if you have never heard the Dalmatian classic, Ti Si Moj San (You are My Dream) sung in Croatian, now is you chance.  

The official pess release about the event is below and in full. 

A reception was held on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia.

Zagreb, September 30, 2022. - On September 29, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Croatia held a reception on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia. Present were the Vice-President of the Croatian Parliament Željko Reiner, former President Ivo Josipović, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, people from various circles, representatives of Chinese companies and representatives of the Chinese in Croatia.

Ambassador Qi said: "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia. In the past 30 years, relations between the two countries have always maintained comprehensive development at a high level, and political mutual trust is continuously strengthened. The leaders of the two countries held close exchanges and led the development of Chinese-Croatian relations. The two sides understand and support each other on matters of vital interest and great concern. In the past 30 years, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has been continuously expanding. Recently, a solemn ceremony was held to put the Pelješki bridge into traffic. This bridge is not only a flagship project of trilateral cooperation between China, Croatia and the EU, but also a model of cooperation between China and Croatia and a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Chinese companies are deeply involved in the Croatian market, committed to promoting the economic development of Croatia, providing better quality products and services, creating a large number of employment opportunities for Croatia, and they are really for the benefit of the citizens of Croatia."

Ambassador Qi said, “Currently, unprecedented major world changes in a century are accelerating, and the world has entered a new period of turbulent change. In order to respond to global challenges, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently explained the concepts and attitude of Chinese diplomacy on various occasions, outlined the global security initiative and the global development initiative, advocated supporting the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, promoted the construction of a balanced, effective and sustainable security structures, stressed that China is willing to cooperate with all parties to protect the international system with the United Nations at its core, maintain peace, stability and international fairness and justice. He called for building a stronger, greener and healthier global development, adhering to free trade and fair trade, strengthening the coordination of macro policies of different countries, ensuring energy security and food security, maintaining the safety and smoothness of the industrial and supply chain, maintaining and promoting economic globalization and deepening multilateral and bilateral international economic cooperation."

Ambassador Qi said: "In the emerging situation, China and the EU should, as important political forces and major economies on the world stage, strengthen communication and coordination on China-EU relations and major issues related to global peace and development, and play a constructive and stable role . In a speech at the opening ceremony of the Pelješac Bridge, Premier Li Keqiang said that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners and cooperate and learn from each other on the basis of mutual respect and equality in accordance with the fundamental and long-term interests of China and the EU.

Vice-President of the Croatian Parliament Željko Reiner gave a speech at the reception, expressed warm congratulations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia and the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, praised China's achievements in economic and social development and the results of mutually beneficial cooperation on various areas between China and Croatia and expressed the belief that the two sides will continue to cooperate on deepening the partnership, expanding the area of ​​cooperation and promoting the continuous achievement of new achievements in bilateral relations.

At the reception, a photo exhibition about the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Chinese-Croatian diplomatic relations and the important cooperation between the two countries was set up, which vividly presented the results of cooperation over the past 30 years, told touching stories about the friendly exchange between the Chinese and Croatian people, and presented the contributions Chinese investment cooperation to the development of the Croatian economy and people's livelihood. In addition, at the reception, the teachers and students of the Confucius Institute, as well as the Chinese music band, performed a series of great points such as martial arts, the presentation of Chinese traditional Han clothing and the performance of famous Chinese songs, and a calligraphy booth was set up that allowed guests to experience the depth Chinese culture.

ZAGREB, 27 July 2022 - President Zoran Milanović said on Wednesday that Pelješac Bridge was a project whereby China entered European space but he noted that that space would remained closed to China for some time again considering the current geopolitical relations. 

"This is not their project, this is European, our money. A Chinese company won the job in a transparent tender but I'm afraid this is the last time they have won a project considering the situation in global relations and geopolitics," Milanović said.

Pelješac Bridge was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) which competed for the project against Austria's Strabag and an Italian-Turkish consortium of bidders.

"I assume the project was an opportunity for the Chinese to enter European space which has now been closed to them for some time, regardless of the fact that they have done a good job. They, too, will have to open up to European companies a little more," Milanović told reporters.

He added that he was surprised that Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang addressed the Pelješac Bridge inauguration ceremony on Tuesday evening via video link, and that he could not say when the message was recorded.

"Had someone told me three weeks ago that we would be addressed by the prime minister of China, a country supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine (...), I would have said 'Let's see'. Now that I have seen it, thumbs up, but a little skewed," he said.

"What happened yesterday is interesting (...) China is not a problem to us the way it is to the USA and some other countries. The fact that we are in NATO does not mean that we blindly follow NATO members' policy. We won't rock the boat or bridge too much, but we do have our own interests," said Milanović.

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ZAGREB, 18 May 2022 - Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said in an interview with the Xinhua news agency released on Wednesday that he looked forward to deepening political and economic relations with China.

 "I very much look forward to deepening our political relationship, our consultations, our economic cooperation," Plenković said on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Croatia and China.

The Croatian prime minister pointed out that the relations between Zagreb and Beijing over the past 30 years had been excellent.

He said that bilateral cooperation within the Chinese initiative "One Belt One Road" had intensified and that the 17+1 initiative, within which Beijing cooperates with Central and Eastern European countries, was an excellent tool for all of us in Central and Eastern Europe.

Plenković also noted that Chinese companies had built the Pelješac Bridge and the Senj Wind Farm, and he also called for more cooperation and dialogue between China and the European Union on global issues, including global security and peace and climate change, especially in the energy sector, Xinhua reported.

"We should cooperate more. I think we have a very solid basis. We have 30 years of cooperation and a very intensive period over the past couple of years," the Croatian PM said.

He said he particularly appreciated that Croatia had been able to acquire sufficient amounts of protective equipment and masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more, check out our politics section.

January 26, 2022 - As strategic relations between Croatia and China have continued to grow from strength to strength, a look at the Lunar New Year in Croatia. 

Over the last decade, relations between China and Europe have warmed as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the “16+1” mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.

Similarly, strategic relations between Croatia and China have continued to grow from strength to strength.

A side effect of these collaborative efforts is that more European countries including Croatia, are taking the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and incorporate them into their annual festivities. 

Within Chinese culture, there is no celebration more important than the Lunar New Year, taking place from February 1-14 this year.

Celebrations in Croatia

In 2016, the City of Zagreb kick-started the first Lunar New Year celebrations in Croatia by lining Josip Jelacic Square with 80 sculptures of terracotta Chinese warriors.

Terracotta Warrior Sculptures 2016, image: Zagreb Tourism Board/Facebook

In 2018 the Zagreb Tourism Board (TZGZ) introduced week-long celebrations before COVID halted further festivities in subsequent years.

But what is Lunar New Year? How is it different from New Year on the 1st of January? And what are some of the traditions involved in the celebration?

Let’s take a brief look at some of the basics.

Lunar New Year 101

The Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year (after the world’s largest population of Lunar New Year celebrants), or Spring Festival (春节 Chūn jié). This event is also widely celebrated in places like China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Thailand, image: Pixabay

In Korea, Lunar New Year celebrations are known as 설날 (Seollal), which lasts 3 days. While in Japan, the Meiji government phased out the use of the lunar calendar in 1873 to be more in line with the West, making celebrations a more muted affair.

Like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Lunar New Year is a time for families and friends to gather, catch up on the past year while consuming copious amounts of food and exchange gifts in the form of money-filled red envelopes (红包, hóng bāo).

Red is an auspicious color for the Lunar New Year, symbolizing happiness, passion, hope, vitality, and luck.

Exchanging of Red Envelopes, image: Rodnae productions/Pexels

Celebrations begin on the first day of the lunisolar calendar, last 14 days, and concludes with the Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuán xiāo jié). The day before Lunar New Year, families usually come together to partake in a reunion dinner (年夜饭 Nián yè fàn) to begin the festivities.

Reunion Dinner, Image: Angela Roma/Pexels

What is the Lunisolar Calendar?

While the Gregorian calendar, the standard calendar used as the primary means of tracking time worldwide - is the official calendar in all countries that celebrate Lunar New Year, the lunisolar calendar still plays an important role in everyday life.

It determines when traditional holidays such as Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuán xiāo jié), Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节 Zhōng qiū jié) and Ancestors’ Day (清明节 Qīng míng jié).

Briefly speaking, the lunisolar calendar is a hybrid timekeeping method that accounts for both the earth’s orbit around the sun taking 365 days a year (i.e. Gregorian calendar) and the moon’s orbit around the earth (i.e. Lunar calendar).

On average, the moon’s synodic orbit around the earth takes 29.53 days which is then multiplied by the 12 lunar months. This adds up to approximately 354 days a year, 11 days shorter compared to the solar calendar.

To remedy this discrepancy, an additional 13th month is added to the lunisolar calendar once every 3 years. This once in three-year occurrence is known as (农历 nóng lì), or the agricultural calendar.

Since the lunisolar calendar is not in complete sync with the Gregorian calendar, Lunar New Year can fall anywhere within the months of January or February.

Due to this, the first day of Lunar New Year falls on February 1^st this year, marking the beginning of the year of the Tiger.

In 2021, it fell on February 12^th, welcoming the year of the Ox, while in 2020, January 25^th marked the first day of the year of the Rat.

But why are there different animals for each year and what do these animals represent?

Chinese Zodiac

Each year in the lunisolar calendar is attributed to one of the repeating 12-year cycles of animals known as the Chinese zodiac.

In order, these zodiac animals begin with the Rat, followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and ending with the Pig.

Each animal is also attributed with a set of traits that broadly categorizes the personalities of individuals born in that year.

For example, those born in the year of the Tiger are said to be independent and competitive yet have impetuous personalities. While those born in the year of the Ox are said to be diligent and honest, but with explosive personalities.

12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, image: Pixabay

This zodiac is rooted in a legend dating back to the Qin dynasty in China that ruled over 2,000 years ago. The story goes that the Jade Emperor summoned all the animals within his Kingdom to take part in a great race towards the palace.

The first 12 animals to reach the palace were selected to be part of the zodiac, and the order in which they arrived determined their place.

Lunar New Year thus marks the transition from one animal to the next. 

Although this tradition is fading, the Chinese zodiac used to play a vital role in everyday life, determining one’s entire outlook for the year including career, finances, marriage compatibility, health, and more.

So, as we prepare to ring in the second Lunar New Year since the beginning of the pandemic, here’s to a healthy and prosperous Year of the Tiger!

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

December 28, 2021 - Croatia has won the prestigious 2021 Stars Awards in the category of the most attractive destination, awarded by the specialized Chinese travel and lifestyle magazine Traveling Scope.

As reported by Turističke Priče, Croatia has been recognized by the Traveling Scope magazine as the most attractive destination in China, raising its status in that market and promoting the arrival of Chinese tourists in the coming seasons. The award was presented by Sunny Zhang, general manager of the magazine, and Lily Liang, producer and deputy editor-in-chief of this popular magazine, which is published in a monthly circulation of 700,000 copies.

Franka Gulin, director of the Croatian Tourism Board office in China, received the award. Photo: Croatia National Tourist Board

Winning the Stars Awards could provide Croatia with additional visibility in the large Chinese market, expects Franka Gulin, director of the Croatia National Tourist Board office in China, and so it was in 2019 when the same magazine awarded our country the award for the destination with the best cultural and historical heritage.

China is a large and demanding market, especially in the circumstances of the pandemic that has significantly slowed tourist flows between China and Europe in general, but according to the expectations of the director of the Croatian Tourist Board Kristjan Stanicic, in the future, our country is expected to be one of the Chinese travel destinations. Optimism is given by the feedback from partners and numerous awards and recognitions that Croatia has won in China.

The award was given by Traveling Scope magazine. Photo: Croatia National Tourist Board

Let's add that Traveling Scope magazine has been published since 1980, and it is the first Chinese magazine dedicated exclusively to tourism and travel. In addition to print editions, the magazine is also available on digital channels where they achieve multimillion-dollar coverage.

For more, check out our dedicated travel section.

ZAGREB, 7 Dec, 2021 - The Senj wind farm, a €200 million investment project by the Chinese company Norinco and the biggest Chinese investment in clean energy in Croatia, was formally opened for a trial run on Tuesday.

The 156 megawatt capacity wind farm stretches over about 60 square kilometres inland from the northern Adriatic town of Senj. It has 39 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 4 MW, and the estimated annual production capacity is 530 million kWh.

The wind farm was built by the Croatian subsidiary of the Chinese state company Norinco International Cooperation, the majority owner of the Senj-based energy company Energija Projekt.

The wind farm was opened remotely by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who pressed the button at a ceremony in the Hotel Sheraton in Zagreb, with representatives of the Chinese company attending.

Plenković said that the project would contribute to Croatia's green transition. Being a Chinese investment, he noted that this was a unique project in central and eastern Europe making Norinco one of the largest investors in the green economy in Croatia.

The project will also contribute to the active use of renewable energy sources. The 39 wind turbines and their total annual output of about 0.5 terawatt-hours will make an important contribution to total electricity production in Croatia, the prime minister said.

"One of the main objectives is to increase the production of electricity from renewable sources to 30 per cent already next year, and I think projects like this will help us achieve that objective," Plenković said. "That will help reduce electricity imports and further promote low-carbon development with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050," the prime minister said, noting that the capacity of the wind farms in Croatia had increased by 65 per cent over the last five years.

Project should be viewed in wider context of Croatia-China relations

The prime minister also said he wanted to put the project in the wider context of the relations between Croatia and China, which which the Croatian government decided to advance relations in recent years.

In doing so, Croatia utilised the China+17 format and hosted in Dubrovnik in spring 2019 a meeting of that initiative, which connects China and countries in central and eastern Europe, Plenković said, recalling that Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang attended.

The China+17 format has markedly advanced and intensified China-Croatia relations, with trade amounting to €1.4 billion in 2020 and even more this year.

"That shows that in a time of responsibility for this government, Croatia-China relations have gained quite another dimension," Plenković said, recalling that he officially visited China in autumn 2018, when he talked about this investment with Norinco's executives.

He voiced hope that there will be more Chinese investment in Croatia, and mentioned the construction of Pelješac Bridge, calling it the most visible and significant project by Chinese companies in Croatia.

The prime minister also recalled China's assistance in the procurement of protective gear during the pandemic.

Addresses were also made by representatives of Norinco, a representative of the Chinese Embassy, and by Norinco CEO Jiao Kaihe and Croatian Ambassador Dario Mihelin via video from Beijing. A note of congratulations from the Chinese prime minister was also read out.

The Belt and Road Initiative

The Chinese highlighted their Belt and Road Initiative as part of which they are funding infrastructure building in many countries. For the project in Senj and Brinje they hired more than 40 local subcontractors and suppliers as well as 260 domestic workers.

They also said the project will contribute to green and low-carbon development, the development of the local community, and deeper Croatia-China relations.

They said China will accelerate its green transition as well as actively support and intensify international cooperation in the green economy. Also, they said China's development is not a threat but can benefit the whole world, including Croatia.

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ZAGREB, 14 Sept, 2021 - Croatian Agriculture Minister Marija Vučković has held an online meeting with Chinese Ambassador Xu Erwen to discuss ways of speeding up the procedure to obtain veterinary certificates and possibilities for pork exports to China, the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The agricultural cooperation with China has intensified since 2006, and thanks to the China+17 initiative and the efforts by the Agriculture Ministry, the protocol on veterinary and public health requirements for dairy products intended for export from Croatia to China was signed in 2019, removing the obstacles to the sale of Croatian dairy products on the Chinese market.

Vučković mentioned Croatian requests towards the Chinese competent authority (GACC) regarding veterinary certificates for pork and pork products, fresh and frozen tuna, honey, beef and poultry, notably the export of tuna, pork and pork products from Croatia to China.

The Croatian ministry is in close communication with the GACC and Croatia is a step closer to getting a positive assessment as a country allowed to export pork and pork products to China, the statement said.

In 2020 the GACC was notified that the World Organisation for Animal Health had recognised Croatia as a country officially free of classic swine fever.

Between 2011 and 2020, with Croatia's entry into the European Union, Croatian agricultural and food exports to China increased ninefold, while at the same time imports from China decreased by more than double. In 2020 alone, the value of agricultural and food exports to China increased by 52% compared with 2019, to nearly €7 million.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 5 June 2021 - The Foreign Policy Forum, which will bring together experts, scientists, journalists and young researchers from Croatia and the world interested in international relations, has been established in Zagreb.

The Forum was established on 26 March and officially registered on 4 June. Its founders are academic researchers, former diplomats and officials with executive state powers, including former Croatian foreign minister Vesna Pusić, journalists and young experts in social sciences.

The Foreign Policy Forum will analyse and examine international relations and foreign policies, and organise constructive public debates, talks and researches.

Since November, its initiators have organised four debates, which drew researchers, international relations experts, journalists, ambassadors and others, on Croatia's foreign policy, the EU foreign policy from Croatia's perspective, EU-China relations, and Europe-Russia relations.

The Forum has announced that former Turkish premier and foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu will give a talk on Turkey's foreign policy and its relationship towards the Western Balkans via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The more information, Forum can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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