Could Malaysian Market Provide Opportunities for Croatian Companies?
Organised by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), Croatian innovators met with potential Malaysian partners through business forums and individual talks in Kuala Lumpur. Could the distant Malaysian market offer opportunities for Croatian companies?
As Novac writes on the 22nd of February, 2020, Roto kruna (crown), Citus, Sestan-Busch, Priroda lijeci (Nature heals), Dizz Concept and Altpro have presented their products and services. A visit to the Malaysia Technology Expo Innovation Fair and Exhibition was also organised, where the Croatian companies presented themselves in the organisation of the Association of Croatian Innovators and won an impressive four gold medals.
Gold for industrial design and printing was won by 3D Tech, gold for ICT by Citus, gold was also won by the healthcare company Priroda lijeci, while the gold medal for construction went into the hands of Dizz Concept.
''The quality of our innovators is confirmed by numerous international awards, so it isn't surprising that Malaysian investors have shown great interest in their products. We've opened the doors of this market to them by organising visits, and judging by the meetings held, some of them will soon realise concrete cooperation,'' said HGK Industry Sector Director Tajana Kesic-Sapic.
"This is a big market where there is definitely room for Croatian companies with quality and innovative products," said Kesic-Sapic, such as Infobip, who already has an office there and was also featured at the fair.
Among the six Croatian companies as part of the delegation was Dizz Concept, whose director Darko Spiljaric presented potential Malaysian investors with PIA pop-up cuisine intended primarily for small apartments, tourist facilities and offices.
"Our modular concept saves a lot of space and has already received numerous awards. We tailor our products to individual markets, which is why we have six models of PIA cuisines that are made exactly from the inputs of clients from different countries. The differences are drastic, so the kitchens we make, for example, for the Taiwanese market have virtually nothing to do with the ones we do in the US,'' explained Spiljaric, adding that thanks to the good organisation of HGK, they have held many quality meetings and the further development of the situation depends on the technical arrangements of them and any potential partners.
Dizz Concept is among the Croatian companies already operating worldwide, and along with the US and Taiwan, they are present on markets from Hong Kong and Singapore to over a dozen EU countries, all the way to Kenya and Canada. Citus presented a piece of innovation at the fair that represents an entirely new approach to human-machine communication using artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
"We take the parametres of the man who controls the machine and we create a unique footprint that makes all the data anonymised. That footprint can then access various content and information while fully protecting the privacy of its users,'' explained Brigita Prole of Citus Marketing.
''At this innovation exhibition, we've established contacts with many local entrepreneurs thanks to the excellent preparation of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and I hope that we'll manage to realise all the agreed deals upon our return home. What matters is that we've come to meetings with companies that know very well what we're doing, with concrete proposals for cooperation. This isn't the first time we've been there, and we can see the growing interest of the Malaysian market and the seriousness of approaching the business. I believe that a lot of good jobs will be done in the near future for the benefit of Croatian companies,'' said Prole.
HGK co-financed the expenses of the member companies by fifty percent. As part of the visit, the delegation was received by the National Chamber of Commerce of Malaysia and the Malaysian Export Agency (MATRADE), where Croatian companies and their innovators held B2B interviews with Malaysian partners.
They also visited the Malaysian Palm Oil Authority (MPOB) and the Proton car factory in Kuala Lumpur. Otherwise, the MTE 2020 is a place where innovators are given visibility and plenty of market opportunities to commercialise their innovation, and it is also a meeting place for business and research organisations to showcase their latest inventions and see what competitors are doing in different industries.
Make sure to follow our dedicated business page for more on Croatian companies.
PM Andrej Plenkovic's Government Experiencing Issues With Sunday Work Ban
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 22nd of February, 2020, restricting the work of shops on Sundays seems to be a new stumbling block in the Government of PM Andrej Plenkovic, according to a report from Jutarnji list on Saturday.
The Croatian Government, as it stands now, will have a hard time pushing for a proposal in Parliament to restrict the operation of shops on Sundays, and it also indicates that the topic could spark fraying relations between the parties in the ruling coalition once again. HNS has announced that it will not support HDZ's proposal to put the key in the locks of shop doors on Sundays, according to the publication.
This can be felt in the answers received by Jutarnji list from the leading Croatian parties. While in some parties they don't yet want to come out openly with their official position on whether or not to restrict the operation of shops on Sundays, in others, including HNS, they openly oppose this.
''As a liberal party, HNS opposes all forms of bans, including Sunday bans, because we believe that this isn't something that should be regulated by the state, but solely by the laws of the market. We believe that everyone should have the right to choose whether or not they want to work on Sundays, but we're also of the opinion that those working should feel valued, and therefore we advocate that, with the prescribed enforcement mechanisms, they're paid twice as much for working on Sundays than working on a regular business day,'' HNS said.
In that particular party, they refer to the experiences of other countries, pointing to the example of neighbouring Montenegro, in which a ban on shops operating on Sundays resulted in a decline in employment.
"HNS, as a party for which workers and entrepreneurs are a high priority, cannot allow this. Therefore, as a result, HNS will not support this HDZ initiative, nor will it support other similar legal solutions,'' HNS said.
HSLS, a party that also supports PM Andrej Plenkovic's Government, is also openly opposed to restricting work on Sundays. HSLS estimates that the Croatian economy is already over-regulated and that it should not be further regulated, and thus the restriction of the work of traders and shops on Sundays should not come into force.
They also recall the Constitutional Court's previous decisions in this area, and fear that any restriction on the operation of shops on Sundays would merely open a proverbial Pandora's box of legal uncertainty, Jutarnji list reported.
Make sure to follow our politics page for more information on PM Andrej Plenkovic's Government and much more.
5 Things I Learned from Croatian People: Dutch Entrepreneur Jan de Jong
February 21, 2020 - There are those who are negative about Croatia, and there are those who are positive. And then there is Dutch entrepreneur Jan de Jong.
A couple of years ago, I announced - to much derision - that TCN wanted to start a series on foreign entrepreneurs enjoying life in Croatia as a counterbalance to all the stories of crushing emigration.
The comments, as usual, were scornful, with one of Croatia's army of dedicated keyboard warriors declaring that he would eat his hat if we got more than 2.5 entrepreneurs. As you can see from the response, our keyboard warrior friend has been eating lots of hats ever since. And if you are a foreign entrepreneur in Croatia and would like to be featured in the series, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Foreign Entrepreneur.
Among those who responded was a Dutchman called Jan de Jong, who has enjoyed incredible success since moving to Split, and you can read all about this in Jan's interview here.
I have only met Jan de Jong once, during his excellent presentation at Business Club International, and I was impressed not only with his success, but also with his positivity about life in Croatia. I have been following him ever since on LinkedIn, where his followers are able to enjoy regular doses of positivity about doing business in The Beautiful Croatia, including this one today, which I am shamelessly lifting from his home page. I hope you don't mind, Sir. Keep up the good work and see you at LEAP 2020.
✔ Fighters mentality: Fight as hard as you can, don't give up, don't give in. I shall be the one paying for coffee, for drinks, for lunch. ☕????
✔ Carpe diem: Don't always think about tomorrow. You live life today.??
✔ Preparation: Make sure the fridge is always full. Somebody might visit you...and then...we eat, we drink.???
✔ Networking: Perhaps more than in other countries it is a lot about "who you know". Even in situations like delivering a baby in the hospital - make sure you know a doctor. ?⚕️
✔ You can't choose your family, but you can choose your "kumovi". (godfathers, best man, etc.) And those relationships with kumovi are super strong - and they become your extended family. Beautiful! ❤
There is also one thing I will probably never learn from Croatian people...PADEŽE! Seriously?!? 7 of them ??
Živim u Hrvatskoj
Volim Hrvatsku
Pozdrav iz Hrvatske.
Healing Powers of Springtime: Easter Silence Retreat at divota apartment hotel
February 22, 2020 - Become one with the secrets of springtime and awaken your body and being to a whole new level this April at divota apartment hotel in Split.
divota apartment hotel, one of the most cherished accommodation offers in Split today, is turning a new leaf to wellness in 2020.
With energy work already at the core of their company culture for years, divota apartment hotel is using the new year to offer unique wellness practices, many of which will be new experiences to the Dalmatian capital.
In an effort to help guests live and lead a more holistic life, divota will promote the powers of springtime and begin their wellness journey with a Silence & Anti-Aging Health Retreat led by Shai Tubali this Easter.
Shai Tubali has been an international speaker, author, and spiritual teacher for over 18 years, and is considered one of Europe's leading experts and innovators in the field of chakras and the subtle system. Shai Tubali combines psychology, philosophy, Yogic traditions, and Eastern thought and practices into powerful processes of inner transformation.
Thus, this April at divota, Shai Tubali will teach you the secrets of being young and fresh through profound meditation states, unique practices, a deep state of rejuvenating silence, and a thorough knowledge of the body and subtle body system. Shai Tubali combines his experience and deep understanding of health and spirituality to help you create a transformative rejuvenation in your body, mind, and spirit.
Romulic & Stojcic
Through inspiring talks, guided meditations, special health practices, and supportive, bespoke nutrition, the silence retreat will help you become one with the secrets of springtime and awaken your body and being to a whole new level of vitality and well-being. Participants will also enjoy full accommodation at divota apartment hotel, and vegan, organic, and healthy homemade food.
Participants can even choose to enhance their retreat experience by adding individual treatments like Shiatsu or Kum Nye Tibetan healing massage, to name a few.
The Silence & Anti-Aging Health Retreat is scheduled from April 11 to 15, 2020. The retreat will be held in English with live translation into German. You can find more information about the program, cost, and accommodation at divota apartment hotel HERE.
But that’s not all guests can look forward to at divota apartment hotel this year.
Stay tuned for the announcement of even more retreats that will take guests well into the summer season, while the opening of the divota yoga garden, meditation center, and healthy corner will delight guests this spring.
divota apartment hotel is the only holistic city retreat hotel in Croatia and an unmatched boutique hotel located in the heart of Split that has added a spark to the Varos neighborhood since it first opened its doors.
Formed by 13 stone houses, divota boasts cozy rooms, studio apartments, and an authentic Dalmatian villa, while its breakfast room, spa, and concierge are just some of its perks.
A pioneer in harmonizing the Mediterranean authenticity of the area with a contemporary and stylish twist, divota operates with high hotel standards, allows guests a full range of services, and promises a powerhouse of professionals to ensure your stay is decorated with all of the right elements.
To make sure you never miss a divota beat, be sure to follow them on Facebook and check out their rooms, studio apartments, and villa here.
To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Health Minister Decides to Establish Coronavirus Quarantine Unit
ZAGREB, February 22, 2020 - Health Minister Vili Beroš on Friday adopted a decision to establish a quarantine unit as a preventative safety measure to protect citizens from any possible threat of the coronavirus, at the Croatian Institute for Public Health's recommendation, the ministry said.
The quarantine unit has been set up at the Dr Fran Mihaljević Infectious Diseases Hospital in Zagreb for anyone who is suspected of or is determined to have been in touch with infected or possibly infected persons while spending in time in areas considered to be the source of the disease.
Quarantine will last in line with health assessments. The decision enters into force today, the ministry underscored.
"To date, luckily, there aren't any people infected with the coronavirus in Croatia. However, we do not want to leave anything to chance in the protection of Croatian citizens from this health threat. The experience of neighbouring Italy and some other communities demand us to play it extra safe and, in addition to everything undertaken so far, I have decided to establish a quarantine unit as an additional preventative measure," said Minister Beroš.
More coronavirus news can be found in the Politics section.
Croatia's Honorary Consul in Barcelona Under Investigation for Money Laundering
ZAGREB, February 22, 2020 - Catalan police are investigating Croatia's honorary consul in Barcelona over possible money laundering for a local criminal gang, a source from Catalonia's autonomous police told Hina on Friday.
Consul Juli Barcena San Jose is suspected of receiving money from drug sales and investing it in real estate and luxury cars, thus covering up the trail of the illegally gains.
Also under investigation are the honorary consuls of Albania and Mali, Jose Maria Calmet Iglesias and Jose Luis Lopez Fernandez, respectively. Both are suspected of the same crime.
Catalonia's autonomous police Mossos d’Esquadra said on 18 September 2019 that they had arrested four members of a known family clan from Catalonia for money laundering and drug trafficking. An investigation uncovered their business ties to the consuls.
Three honorary consuls stationed in Barcelona are under investigation, the Catalan police said in a press release.
A police source told Hina today Croatia's consul was under investigation while a diplomat said Croatia would request his dismissal for damaging Croatia's reputation.
Neither Barcena San Jose nor the Croatian consulate in Barcelona have issued any statement.
Honorary consuls are usually not nationals of the state they represent but citizens of the territory they are on, in this case Catalonia, i.e. Spain. They are usually renowned in their communities and their main job is to encourage economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries and to help the citizens of the country they represent.
Barcena San Jose is an entrepreneur and has held the post of Croatia's honorary consul since May 2002.
More news about relations between Croatia and Spain can be found in the Politics section.
As Boris Hails New Blue Passport, Meanwhile in the EU in Croatia...
February 21, 2020 - One of the Brexiteers' chief symbols of 'taking back control' comes into effect next month, with the reintroduction of blue passports. Meanwhile in Croatia...
As an ex-British Irishman living in Croatia, one of the more absurd subjects of the Brexit campaign was focusing on the colour of the UK passport. Apart from the fact that changing the colour of a passport is hardly a matter of life and dealth, the issue was somehow linked in some quarters as a key victory over the EU. By taking back control, Brits would be able to choose the colour of their own passports. An issue well worth risking the economy over.
The issue became part of one of the major campaigns of Britain's largest tabloid, The Sun, and a major victory was hailed when it was announced that blue passports would replace the EU burgundy. In terms of the size and importance of international victories, I would perhaps rate the Battle of Britain and Waterloo as slightly more significant, but the politicians made the most of this massive victory. And The Sun announced this morning that the first blue passports will be issued in 2 weeks. Congratulations!
(Screenshot from The Sun, February 21, 2020 edition)
Meanwhile, in Croatia...
As the sun shines, and I look at my wife's blue Croatian passport, Croatia an EU member currently holding the EU Presidency, I wonder what all the fuss is about.
All the more so when I saw the reaction to an article TCN wrote back in 2017, which stated that Croatia would not be changing the colour of its EU-approved blue passports. The article was picked up by The Guardian and set Reddit on fire. To quote The Guardian:
The EU never mandated burgundy passports: it simply produced a standard format that many member states chose to use for the sake of convenience.
I forget the exact words of the best comment of an incredulous Reddit user, but it was something along the lines of if Croatia can stay in the EU and have blue passports, why is the UK leaving?
Why indeed?
At least those proud new blue passport holders will be able to compare two shades of passport blue on holiday in Croatia this summer.
Croatia Expecting 3% Increase from German Tourists in 2020
February 22, 2020 - The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) is presenting its tourist offer at the f.re.e fair in Munich, one of the most important fairs in the German market, from February 19 to 23. This year, Croatia expects a 3% increase from German tourists.
HRTurizam reports that before the fair, a large tourist delegation from Central Dalmatia, namely 70 Alkars, Alka boys, and members of Sinj City Music, paraded in the very center of Marienplatz and delighted many passers-by in the Bavarian capital.
HTZ Director Kristjan Stanicic is currently in Munich, meeting with Michael Hinterdobler, Bavarian Government envoy and Assistant Minister for International and European Affairs, with Prince Leopold Von Bayern, Konig Ludwig Kaltenberg, who owns the Kaltenberg brand, but also with Evelyne Menges, Member of the Munich City Hall. State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Tonci Glavina and President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce Luka Burilovic also visited the fair on Friday.
HTZ
“Presenting at the Munich fair is of utmost importance to us because Germans, especially residents of southern provinces such as Bavaria, have, for the most part, made up the total tourist traffic in Croatia for years. This year we have enriched our appearance at the fair with a great presentation of the Alkars and our 300-year unique event Sinjska Alka, and we met with key strategic partners such as FTI Touristik, the third-largest tour operator in Europe and IDRiva Tours, a tour operator specializing in bringing German guests to Croatia which forecasts market growth for Croatian destinations,” said Croatian National Tourist Board Director Kristjan Stanicic, adding that up to now, the German market saw an increase of 25 percent in arrivals and 18 percent in overnights compared to the same period last year, while overall traffic growth from the German market is expected to be up to 3 percent in 2020.
"The level of sales from the German market so far is higher than last year, which makes us very happy. Air connectivity has a big impact on the growth of tourist traffic, so this year we expect to continue establishing additional airlines from Germany. The tourism market is increasingly changing, thus increasing numbers of German tourists are turning towards sustainability, that is, products and offers with a built-in nature conservation component. Therefore, it is in this segment that we see the great potential and opportunity to strengthen our position in the future in this extremely important market for us,” said State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Tonci Glavina.
The Alkars are a special attraction at the fair and the main city square in Munich. After the Alkars paraded in the center of Munich, the fair hosted a program of the Alkar Knights Society and the Sinj City Music, through which Split-Dalmatia County was presented. With this presentation, they wanted to popularize the UNESCO protected knight's competition, but also Central Dalmatia and the whole of Croatia as a tourist destination.
Head of the Croatian National Tourist Board branch in Munich, Nera Miličić, emphasized that it is her special honor to host the Sinj Alkars in Munich and to promote the Sinjska Alka at the largest Bavarian tourism fair.
HTZ
“The Alka is a symbol of patriotism and I am proud that we have presented the UNESCO list of intangible heritage to the Bavarians, who are our most numerous guests, part of the Croatian culture and tradition. The ceremonial procession of the Alkars and the Alkar boys, together with the Sinj City Music, between the three medieval Munich gates, was a special attraction for the residents and visitors of Munich, as well as the pride of many Croats living in Bavaria,” said Miličić, adding that the Sinj Alka and the Bavarian Kaltenberg knights are part of Europe's cultural heritage and have agreed on cooperation.
A special novelty at this year's fair is the refreshed visual appearance of the HTZ booth, which is enriched with red and white squares as an ode to the upcoming European Football Championship. Visitors to the fair can taste commemorative Alkar and the Heart of the Adriatic cocktails, while top-quality Croatian wines are served under the brand name “Vina Croatia - mosaic wines” organized by HGK and HTZ.
Within the Croatian National Tourist Board stand, a total of 24 co-exhibitors are represented at the fair, including the Dubrovnik-Neretva, Split-Dalmatia and Vukovar-Srijem (Slavonia cluster) tourist boards, the Zagreb and Dubrovnik tourist boards, as well as numerous economic and tourism entities.
HTZ
Last year, a record 3 million tourist arrivals and more than 21 million overnight stays were recorded from the German market, representing a 3 percent growth in arrivals compared to 2018.
To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Alpine Skier Filip Zubcic Wins Men's World Cup Giant Slalom in Japan!
February 22, 2020 - For the first time in seven years, Croatia has booked the first place spot in the World Cup thanks to the brilliant rally of alpine skier Filip Zubcic. Ivica Kostelic was the last to do so in Kranjska Gora in 2013.
Namely, 24 Sata reports that Filip Zubcic won the giant slalom at the Naeba Ski Resort in Japan after an impressive second run in which he left Marc Odermatt 0.74 hundredths behind in second.
For the first time in his career, Zubcic started from a high 13th position on a very difficult track. The almost summer-like conditions distracted Zubcic in the first run, where he made an error, but still managed 12th place (1:18.21), 1.58 behind first. Only then did Filip gain momentum.
The warm conditions continued in the second run, though Zubcic flew down the slope like never before. He hit every mark on time, locked in a quick speed, and with a significant advantage, took first place and the best time into the finish line (1:19.04).
The last few skiers had over a second advantage over Filip, but he rode so wisely that they did not stand a chance. Moreover, the conditions were even worse during the second run. The last skier to try to bring him down was Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen, who had a 1.58 advantage, and eventually lost it all to trail 1.14. Second place went to Marco Odermatt, who was 0.74 hundredth behind Zubcic, and third to Tommy Ford (+1.07).
For Zubcic, this is by far the biggest success of his career after coming second in Adelboden and fourth in Garmisch. Croatia also had not seen the first place in the World Cup since 2013 when Ivica Kostelic won in Kranjska Gora!
Filip is also third overall in the giant slalom, just 50 points behind Slovenian Jean Kranjec. By the end of the season, there are three more races left, and the crystal globe trophy is not so far out of reach. Given his incredible form recently and the downfall of some of his competitors, we hope to see the globe in Filip’s hands at the end of the season.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Legrad Municipality in Northern Croatia Selling Property for One Kuna
Remember those little towns in Italy that would pop up in articles and ads every now and then selling houses for a mere one euro? It seems that the small, entirely overlooked Legrad Municipality in Northern Croatia is following the Italian example - selling houses for just one kuna.
As Novac writes on the 21st of February, 2020, the little Legrad Municipality just north of Koprivnica has launched a tender for the sale of real estate it owns. These are plots of land without anything built on them, as well as plots of land with houses on them, nineteen of which are owned by the Municipality of Legrad, and the starting prices range from just over 5,000 kuna to up to 100,000 kuna.
However, all of these properties/parcels of land can be obtained at a price of just one kuna if the applicant meets the requirements of the tender at hand.
The Legrad Municipality decided that you're free to buy a house or a plot of land for a mere one kuna if you're under forty years of age, have at least a university degree and are a resident of the Municipality of Legrad, or if you are not, then you must register your residence within the municipality within three years. Likewise, at least one of the applicants, spouses or life partners must have a permanent income, local portal Podravski writes.
There are other conditions that must be met in order to buy real estate for a single kuna. The details of this particular tender are all readily available on the website of the Legrad Municipality and is valid until the end of this month.
''All those who aren't eligible for the preferential purchase can buy real estate at the quoted prices and the highest bid will be selected. However, as part of measures to improve the demographic picture of our municipality, it is possible to get real estate at the price of one kuna. But, that also includes some conditions, and the most important of all is that people who buy this property in it plan to live and stay in our municipality,'' said Ivan Sabolic of the Legrad Municipality.
Make sure to follow our lifestyle page for more.
