Croatia, as the only country in the world which is central European, Danubian, Pannonian and Mediterranean at the same time, with its unique geographical loca- tion links Europe to the world. Modern transport and energy infrastructure, untarnished soil, unpolluted sea and rich sources of fresh water provide the founda- tions for Croatia to build its future on and become recognised in the European and world markets. Unique geographical location, modern infrastructure, political and economic stability, competent and highly educated workforce are only some of the reasons to invest in Croatia. Croatia offers the following to investors: • easier access to European and world markets • modern transport infrastructure • reliable investment and business environment • stimulating investment climate • highly educated, multilingual and competent workforce • high quality of life Situated at the heart of Europe, only two or three hours air distance to any European destination, Croatia, with its highly developed road and rail network, and the network of sea, river and airports, as well as inland waterways and intermodal terminals, represents the central link between Europe and the world. The network of modern motorways, placing Croatia together with lead- ing European countries, provides a possibility of fast and uninterrupted travel. International transport cor- ridors pass through Croatia, the country is 100% digitized, with its entire territory covered by broad- band Internet. Its highly developed gas distribution network places it at the very top of European countries. All of this makes Croatia an ideal transport, communication and en- ergy intermediary, not only between countries in the region, but between the Mediterranean and the rest of the world. As the political leader in the re- gion, a full member of NATO and the 28th member of the European Union (as of 1 July 2013), Croatia guarantees stability and the safety of business activities. Croatian legis- lation, harmonized with the basic postulates of the European Union, ensures business activities of the highest standard and opens the pos- sibility of using EU funds. Being an active member of unique market of EU, Croatia provides a platform for doing business with EU countries as well as with the rest of the world, especially by excellent maritime connections and numerous bilat- eral agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and investment protection agreements. One of the leading business sectors with growing international visibility and reputation. • one of most important tourist destinations on the Mediterra- nean • great potential for further development • construction of top-class accom- modation facilities in progress A country with: • 1,246 islands • 61 marinas • 8 national parks • 10 intangible cultural heritage and 7 cultural and natural heritage sites, all included in UNESCO's heritage lists Investment opportunities: • nautical tourism • health tourism • congress tourism Industry has always been tradi- tionally export-oriented -- it makes up for 90.6% of total Croatian exports. • the strongest branches - ship-building, the manufacturing of refined petroleum products, electrical equipment, chemicals and chemical products, food products, machinery and devices • 20.7% of GDP • 14,633 active companies Possibility of growth and investment in: • pharmaceutical industry • ICT • wood industry • textile and leather processing industry • metal industry • automotive industry • electrical industry • chemical industry, plastic and rubber industry Landforms and soil are favourable for the production of a wide range of agricultural products, from field and industrial crops to vineyards, continental and Mediterranean fruits and vegetables. • three geographical and climate zones-- the continental, Mediter- ranean and mountainous zone • 84% of cultivated land -- private- ly owned • wide range of products (fish, cattle, cereals, wine, sugar beet, olives) • the highest food product quality standards Great investment potential in: • healthy food production • aquaculture Perfect destination for the production of clean energy from renewable energy sources: • favourable climate and unpolluted natural environment • over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year • windy regions by the Adriatic sea geothermal energy from natural sources on the continent • access to vast amounts of biomass Investment possibilities in: • energy sector (RSE) • enviroment protection & production of clean energy Croatia is a country of multilingual and highly educated workforce. It also has the highest percentage of persons in the age-group 20 to 24 who have completed at least secondary school education.

• published: 27 Sep 2013
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